Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14)
The prophet Ezekiel lived at a more critical time in the
history of Israel than Jesus, but Jesus’ message is even more urgent. Ezekiel is commissioned to preach repentance
to Jewish exiles under Babylonian captivity.
He will tell them that they have ignored God’s Law to the extent of
having worshipped idols. Now they must
suffer debasement to be purified of their sinfulness.
Jesus preaches repentance as well. He challenges the religious leaders of Israel
who despite carrying out the law to the letter remain proud and contemptuous of
the poor. For this reason he holds a
child up as his model. He tells his
disciples that everyone should be as humble before others as a child is before
adults. In other words, they should assist
others without expecting a dollar in return.
If we look around, we will probably find many willing to help
someone in need when asked. Such
assistance is praiseworthy, but even more laudable is lending a helping hand without
being asked. It’s the kind of thing a
well-trained child would do.
