11 Welcome little children

August 11

Gospel

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

Anyone who welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

‘See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.

‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’

Reflection:

In this Gospel, Jesus overturns human ideas of greatness by placing a child at the center. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility, simplicity, and dependence on Him. A child trusts without needing control or status, and Jesus calls us to have that same spirit. He also shows God’s deep care for every individual, especially those who are weak, lost, or overlooked. The image of the shepherd searching for the one lost sheep reminds us that no one is forgotten in God’s eyes.

Reflection Question:

In what areas of my life am I being invited to grow in humility, trust, and a more childlike dependence on God?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach me to have a humble and trusting heart like a little child. Help me to value what You value and to care for others with Your compassion. Never let me forget that I am always loved and sought after by You. Amen.

Comments

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