Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:1-5,10

 

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.  “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.”

 

In today’s gospel reading, the disciples of Jesus want to know "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Now why would they ask such a question unless they wanted 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 of 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’s 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. Therefore, to be greatest in heaven is easy, we must simply exhibit a childlike faith.

 

Jesus, understanding the pride that was in the hearts of his disciples, warned His followers, “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.” Jesus tells us that the small defenseless child has extra protection from the angels. The angels serve as their body guard and their champion. If you do anything to hurt or corrupt one of these young children of God, their Guardian Angel will plead their case before God. However, each of us is also given an angel to protect us from evil and to help guide us through life. We too can call upon our guardian angel to not only help us when we are in trouble, but to help those in need. I remember one time talking with a very young child about being sick and not feeling well. That child offered me her guardian angel to help make me feel better. The purity and innocence of this offering from this young child is the same innocence of love that God expresses for all. To deny a child is to deny the love that God has created in that child because each child is not only innocent but a gift from God.

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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