In our modern world, filled with rapid advancements in technology and a constant stream of information, stories of extraordinary spiritual experiences often become viral. One such trending topic is the claim that Jesus revealed Himself to a baby for three consecutive nights. While such accounts may spark fascination and hope among many, it’s crucial to approach them through the lens of the Catholic faith to discern their authenticity and relevance.
The Theological Foundation: God’s Communication with Humanity
The Catholic Church teaches that God actively communicates with us in various ways. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read that “God, who ‘dwells in unapproachable light,’ wants to communicate his own divine life to the men he freely created, in order to adopt them as his sons in his only-begotten Son” (CCC 52). Even Scripture tells us that God spoke to many people, including children like Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-21).
However, there’s a big difference between acknowledging that God can communicate with us and saying that every claim of such communication is genuine. We have to use reason, the teachings of the Church, and discernment to understand these occurrences.
Are Children Capable of Spiritual Experiences?
First, let’s address the idea of a baby experiencing Jesus. Some may find it hard to believe because a baby lacks the intellectual maturity to understand religious concepts. Yet, the Catholic Church believes in the sanctity and capability of all life stages. Jesus Himself said, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).
Still, while children are certainly capable of profound spiritual experiences, the Church also places importance on “the age of reason” (around seven years old) as a time when a person becomes morally capable of making decisions (CCC 1778). This doesn’t dismiss the possibility that younger children, or even babies, could have spiritual experiences, but it raises questions about the depth and nature of these experiences.
Discernment: Essential in Evaluating Claims
St. Paul advises us to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). For Catholics, this means relying on the wisdom and teachings of the Church to discern the truth behind claims of spiritual experiences. While the Church has a long history of mystical occurrences, like the visions of St. Bernadette or St. Faustina, it also has a rigorous process for verifying them.
The Catechism states: “Throughout the ages, there have been so-called ‘private’ revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith” (CCC 67). This means that even if the Church acknowledges a private revelation, it’s not part of the universal teachings that Catholics are required to believe.
Criteria for Authenticity
When evaluating claims of visions or revelations, the Church looks for:
- Consistency with Church teachings: Any revelation that contradicts the teachings of the Church is automatically suspect.
- Moral and spiritual fruits: The experience should lead to a deeper relationship with God and neighbor (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Approval from Ecclesiastical Authority: While not required for personal faith, Church approval provides a level of authenticity to the claim.
Theological Opinion: The Case of the Baby
Given all these criteria, what can we say about the claim that Jesus revealed Himself to a baby for three nights?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that any claims about this experience are speculative and represent theological opinion rather than universal Church teaching.
From a theological standpoint, there’s no reason God couldn’t reveal Himself to a baby. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, any claim of such an event would need to be scrutinized carefully and would likely never become a part of the deposit of faith, as per CCC 67.
Final Thoughts: Balance Between Skepticism and Openness
In sum, while it is theoretically possible for Jesus to reveal Himself to a baby, the claim should be approached with a healthy balance of skepticism and openness, anchored firmly in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.
Such stories, if authentic, can serve as beautiful reminders of God’s immanence and love for all, regardless of age. But they should not supersede or replace the essential truths of the faith passed down through the Church and her Sacred Scripture.
The pursuit of extraordinary experiences should not distract us from the true purpose of our faith: to love God and neighbor, fulfilling the commandments which encapsulate all the teachings of Scripture (Matthew 22:36-40).
In the end, while such stories may captivate our imagination, our faith is built on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ and His Church. As St. Peter reminds us, “we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).