Reflection for Friday October 2 Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels: 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 Him to say that they were the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven because they were 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)

What a beautiful yet challenging response from Jesus! The disciples were thinking about greatness, but Jesus pointed them toward humility. They were perhaps looking for recognition, status, or a place of honor, but Jesus showed them a child. He reminded them—and He reminds us—that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven begins with a humble heart.

The key that opens the Kingdom of Heaven for us is the humility of a child, which we must always strive to emulate. Childlike humility opens our hearts to the grace of the Holy Spirit. When we humble ourselves before God, we become more willing to listen, learn, trust, and obey. We recognize that we do not have all the answers and that we need God every day.

It is natural for us to ask: Why a child and not an adult? Children can possess a simple and trusting disposition. They can be humble, dependent, and receptive to those who care for them. As adults, however, we can become proud and self-reliant. We may begin to think that we can manage everything on our own and, at times, choose our own desires over God's commandments.

Perhaps this is why Jesus calls us to rediscover the childlike heart we may have lost along the way—a heart that trusts God, depends on Him, listens to Him, and lovingly follows His will.

Life nowadays is not easy. Many children are exposed to poverty, neglect, hunger, and other difficult circumstances. We only need to open our eyes and hearts, and we will see them around us. Their situation invites us not merely to feel sorry for them but to ask ourselves what we can do to become instruments of God's love, compassion, and providence.

Perhaps the Lord is also reminding us that our greatness is not measured by wealth, position, achievements, influence, or recognition. In God's eyes, greatness begins when we humble ourselves, trust Him, and use whatever blessings we have received to serve others.

Let us therefore ask the Holy Spirit to give us humble and childlike hearts—hearts that trust God completely, hearts that are willing to serve, and hearts that notice those who are often overlooked.

As we look at the children around us, especially those who are suffering and in need, let us not simply ask, “What can we do for them?” Let us also ask, “Lord, how are You calling us to become Your hands, Your feet, and Your loving presence in their lives?”

Are we willing to humble ourselves like a child, surrender our pride and self-reliance to God, and allow Him to use our lives to bring hope, love, and dignity to the children who need us most?— Marino J. Dasmarinas