Be Like Children

Tuesday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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 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. 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:

Jesus compared those who are greatest in the Kingdom of heaven to a child. What is the implication of such comparison? Why is Jesus compared us to a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven?

Let us reflect on the character of a child. A child is very innocent. In fact, a child can easily forgive those who hurt them. They will not thrive any grudges in their hearts. Their problems are simple and they are always happy. They know nothing about committing sins. Only adults know and choose to be sinned. 

We must always remember this. Jesus himself told us in the bible that we should become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, we must imitate the character of a child. We must be innocent, we will love each other and hold no grudges to our fellowmen. These are among the conditions of entering the kingdom of heaven. We must reflect on this.