Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14

1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. 12 What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 13 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. 14 In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

In today’s gospel reading, the disciples of Jesus want to know "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" The disciples, like most people, want to know how to get to the top of the list. They want to know who is the greatest in the eyes of God. Do we not all want to be King the Hill. In answering the question, Jesus points to a child, someone who has no social standing in society, someone who is simple and innocent. So why did Jesus use a little child? It simple, a child believes without doubt or reservation. A child does not express hatred, he does not allow pride to control him, and his faith is uncompromising. His life is simple and without the complications we as adults add to it. It is the grace of humility that all children possess that Jesus says we too must possess to be great. We must receive the children of God because they truly reflect Jesus. They are innocent, pure and tender hearted as was Jesus. Therefore, to be greatest in heaven is easy, we must simply exhibit a childlike faith.

The second half of today’s gospel compliments the first. The first half talks about the innocence of children and how they are the greatest in heaven. But the second half talks about the sinner, the lost sheep. Jesus tells us, “If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” A shepherd is dedicated to his flock. Not only will he risk his life for the flock as a whole but even for one. If one of the sheep goes astray, he knows that the sheep will become disoriented, confused and likely die. We are also challenged to seek out the lost sinner because he too will become disoriented, confused and can die to Christ. What great joy God must feel when a lost sheep is brought back into the fold. Jesus calls us to act like the Good Shepherd and to actively seek those souls who are lost. We are all challenged to seek out and to bring the lambs home. This was Jesus’ mission on earth, to bring every lost soul to the Kingdom of God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, teach me to have faith like a humble child.

Teach me to relive that innocence I had when I a child.

May I become a guiding light to lead others to you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon