Hidden Greatness: Childlike as the Earthworm

T

he Gospel tells us: “Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3). But what does it really mean to be childlike? Let me offer three reflections.

1. The Humble Work We Overlook

Children remind us of the small, hidden works that sustain life. In creation, one of the best examples is the humble earthworm. We hardly notice them, yet our very survival depends on their labor. By burrowing and aerating the soil, breaking down organic matter, and creating humus, earthworms make food production possible. No wonder on October 21, every year, we give reverence to these amazing earth creatures by celebrating World Earthworm Day. The 21st October is the same day when naturalist Charles Darwin published his book with Observations on their Habits in 1881. Darwin observed earthworms for the span of 40 years. He said they are the “plowers of the earth,” silently preparing the ground for life. Without them, no crops would grow, and humanity could not survive. To be childlike, then, is to see the greatness hidden in the small.

2. Interconnectedness and Dependency

Pope Francis in Laudato Si' writes that “everything is interconnected.” This is not only about being brothers and sisters but also about dependency at the most basic level of life. On a physical level, I depend more on the earthworm for my existence than on any human relationship, because without fertile soil there is no food. To be childlike is to live in humility, recognizing how much we depend on others—creatures great and small—for life. The Season of Creation invites us to pause and meditate on this basic truth: we live because others serve, others sacrifice, others give from the little that they have.

3. Earthworms as Angels in Disguise

Pope St Gregory the Great explained that the word “angel” refers to a function—a messenger. Angels proclaim God’s message, sometimes silently, sometimes gloriously like the Archangels. In this sense, the earthworm is like an angel. It does not speak human words, but through its humble deeds it delivers a message. For example:

When an earthworm loosens the soil, its quiet message is: “Life needs space to breathe.”

When it breaks down fallen leaves into nourishment, its silent word is: “Nothing is wasted in God’s creation.”

When it labors unseen beneath our feet, its whisper is: “True greatness is found in hidden service.”

When it makes fertile humus that feeds plants and animals, its witness is: “Your life is not your own—it is gift for others.”

When it dies and becomes food for birds and soil, its testimony is: “Even in death, I give life.”

Their quiet work glorifies the Creator, reminding us that God’s presence is often hidden in the lowly, the unseen, the ordinary. To be childlike is to recognize these messengers of God and learn from their devotion.

Today, as we honor the angels and renew our care for creation, may we recover the childlike eyes that see wonder in the smallest of God’s creatures. May we live humbly, gratefully, and joyfully interconnected with everything that breathes and sustains life. Amen. Fr JM Manzano SJ