Gospel MT 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.”
Reflection:
The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
The fact that the disciples asked this question indicates that they were pondering about who would hold positions of power.
When Jesus answers them, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn……” he is telling them that they are going in the wrong direction and their thinking is wrong.
When serving the Lord and others, if I am thinking about attaining power and prestige, then I too am facing the wrong way.
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
Children are dependent on their parents for their food, shelter, clothing, and transportation; every aspect of their lives are provided for by their parent.
For me to make the turn from believing that I provide for my own existence, I must humbly recognize my dependence on God, my Father, to sustain my life.
As I serve the poor, I see living examples of humility in their quiet reliance on God to provide for their needs.
I try to imagine myself without air to breath or water to drink, the two essentials of life that God provides for every creature on earth.
In reality, like a child, I too am dependent on these God given gifts for my very existence.

“I don’t think there is anyone who needs God’s help as much as I do. Sometimes I feel so helpless and weak. I think that is why God uses me. Because I cannot depend on my own strength. I rely on Him twenty-four hours a day.” Mother Teresa