Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Reflection for Sunday January 15, Feast of the Sto. Nino (Philippines): Matthew 18:1-5, 10





Gospel: 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.”

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Reflection:

Why did the disciples ask Jesus: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” Were they expecting that Jesus would tell them that they’re the greatest in the kingdom of heaven because they are His disciples?  

Instead, Jesus called a child 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.” (Matthew 18:3-4) 

The key that can unlock for us the kingdom of heaven is the humility of a child that we must always emulate. The key that can invite the grace of the Holy Spirit upon us is the same childlike humility. 

 It’s no brainer to ask why a child and not an adult?  Unlike adults, children have the simplest and purest minds. Children are not tainted by any form of sin and they are docile humble and obedient. Adults like us are sinful we defy God’s commandments to satisfy our whims and caprices. 

Life nowadays is not easy as well many of our children today are also more exposed to poverty than before. We just need to open our eyes wide and we would see it. What intervention can we do to help these children? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

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