He was so Lonely!

There are many times when the insight and theology of the children gives me pause. As catechists, we receive these responses as gifts, knowing instinctively that we've been offered a glimpse into the conversation between God and the Child.

This past Sunday, a child and my co-catechist were reflecting on the Found Sheep, Luke 15:4-6. They wondered together about the moment when the sheep and shepherd were reunited. Softly, the child spoke of the sheep's joy. "He was happy.....he was so lonely when he was lost." In the past, I've often heard the children speak about the sheep's fear at being lost, most likely a reflection of their own fear when they lose sight of a parent. This was the first time loneliness has been lifted out. As an adult, I'm unpacking this in light of recent tragedies and can't help but think that loneliness played no small part. We are created for relationship. How will we reflect the joy we find in Christ to those around us this week?

I'm still pondering the absolute truth of that young girl's insight as I quote Catherine Doherty, "Lord, give me the heart of a child, and the awesome courage to live it out..."