Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
Today the disciples approach Jesus with the question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The disciples received an answer they were not prepared for. Jesus called a child into their midst. Then he gave them an unexpected response to their question. Jesus tells the disciples: “If you do not become like a child, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” For Jesus, it is a person who is humble in the manner of a child (open, attentive, eager and loving), that will be the “greatest” in the kingdom of heaven.
Children are a great gift to us. They have the ability to teach us all of our lives. Most adults think that children should imitate them (the adults). Yet, Jesus completely reverses this thought. We adults should strive to have the innocence, joy, frankness and unconditional love that children naturally embody. I wonder how our lives would be different if we truly would follow the example of children?
I encourage you to try this for a few days. If you don’t have any children in your neighborhood, go to a park or a playground and observe the children. Then notice: Are you happier, joyful and more relaxed rather than stressed, worried or cranky? Be attentive to the children in your lives: we can learn a great deal from them. They are wise beyond their years with the “wisdom of the ages.”
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