Reflection for August 13 Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

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

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 becomes humble 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. 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? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A rebellious young lady had five children from five different men. She indulged in every sin this world could offer her. There was no sign of repentance in her heart; she continued to sin as if it were her daily routine. Hence, her relatives had already given up on her.  

In the gospel, Jesus speaks about searching for the lost sheep and seeking out those who stray, no matter where they are. Unlike us, who often give up on those who do not listen, Jesus doesn’t give up. He continuously searches for those who sin or are lost. No sin is too big for the merciful heart of Jesus. 

Each and every one of us are precious in the eyes of the Lord, He holds us dearly in His loving heart. No matter if we are big time or small time sinners we are all precious in His eyes. 

In so many ways the gospel invites us to reflect on how we feel towards those who sin. Have we already given up on them because they don’t listen to us? Or we continue to patiently wait or even search for them. Until we find them so that we could offer them our unconditional love.    

Do you easily give up on those who sin or you patiently wait and pray for them until they see the healing light of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas