What a strange command - take the scroll and eat it! But it makes sense when we consider its spiritual message: just as we become the food we eat, we should take the Word of God into us like food until it becomes part of us. It is easy to read the Word of God in a superficial manner and be untouched by it - and even to be turned off at times. It is only when we take it into the deepest part of our heart and soul do we experience just how sweet and nurturing it is.

Jesus reminded us several times that we must become as little children in order to enter the kingdom of God. He did not mean to become childish, nor did he mean that children are perfect. But children are affectionate, open to experience, guileless and filled with wonder until taught hatred, fear, and selfishness by adults. Children have an easy friendship with the unseen world of the spirit and they lack the cynicism and suspicion that characterize adult life. Just as children cling to their parents, so we cling to God - and God shows each soul the tender care of a parent. God does not want any soul to perish and will go to whatever lengths necessary on our behalf. By becoming as little children we go back to the beginning and start over - and this time we get it right! We learn to be human in the way that God intended.