https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092826.cfm
Have you ever had a thought that you believed was true, only to realize you were mistaken? We can all relate to the disciple who initially had little understanding of who Jesus was and what He was about. Remember how Peter courageously declared Him to be the Christ, God’s anointed one?
In the Old Testament, the anointed one was THE KING, a figure who was seen as standing in for God on earth. It’s quite natural, then, that as they traveled together, one of them might have wondered aloud, “Who of us is the greatest?”
Jesus took a child into His arms and said, “Whoever receives a child in My Name receives Me. And whoever receives Me receives the One Who sent Me.” Wow! What a revelation, but the disciples didn’t grasp it. Do we?
Small children learn sayings and behaviors from parents, siblings, and adults, which is universal. If children see elders as competitive and superior, they’ll behave similarly. Hopefully, these behavioral issues are addressed at home and school.
When Jesus told the disciples to become like little children, they felt embarrassed because, in their culture, a child was considered insignificant, similar to a slave or servant. Children have little to offer, as they can’t buy anything for themselves because they have no money unless it is given to them. They have no talents unless they are given the opportunity to develop them.
So Jesus is ultimately saying, “In my Kingdom, everything is grace, and you can do nothing without me.”
Gospel challenge:
Come into the Presence of Jesus in your heart. Listen to Him.
“If you want to be great in My eyes and in the eyes of My Father, surrender everything to Me. Close your eyes and trust Me to take care of everything. I promise you, I will.”
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
