To be a genuine follower of Christ one does not need to be an intellectual or to have university degrees. The most illiterate person can have access to the Gospel and its message of love and service. The most illiterate person can be steeped in prayer and in union with God. Such people are called 'children' not because of their lack of learning but because of their total openness to hear God speaking to them. Of course, there have always been scholars in the Church and that is the beauty and richness of our faith that it can challenge even the most intellectually gifted while, at the same time, being totally accessible to children of all ages. In fact, it is only when we have the openness and simplicity of children that any of us can really get in touch with God and come to know him personally. Let us today thank God that we are among those who have listened and accepted and been graced - and that we may continue to do so.