Tuesday of the
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14)
University students are especially preoccupied that their
sports teams are considered the best; that is, rated number one. They will chant incessantly as their teams
compile an undefeated record, “We’re number one!” The concern may be truly called sophomoric in
light of today’s gospel.
The disciples come to Jesus with the question, “Who is
first in the Kingdom of God?” Pointedly
Jesus ignores the concern to give a lesson on service. He tells them that they must humble themselves
like a child so that they may respond to the needs of others.
It is hard to give up our sense of self-importance. We want to be appreciated for what we do. But Jesus is reminding us again that we do
not earn heaven on our own. It comes as grace
from God to which we respond with the eagerness of children trying to please
their parents.
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