Gospel

Mt 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 becomes humble 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.”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with a powerful lesson on humility and the importance of becoming like children in order to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus' disciples asked him who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven, expecting a answer that would elevate one of them above the others. But Jesus' response was unexpected. He called a child over and placed it in their midst, saying, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven."

What does it mean to become like children? Children are humble, trusting, and dependent on others. They are not concerned with power, status, or prestige. They are open, curious, and receptive. Jesus is telling us that we must cultivate these qualities if we want to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

But why is humility so important? Because it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and our need for His grace and mercy. When we become like children, we acknowledge that we are not self-sufficient, that we cannot save ourselves. We need God's help, and we need to trust in His goodness and love.

Jesus also warns us against despising one of these little ones, for their angels in heaven always look upon the face of the heavenly Father. This is a reminder that every person, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, is precious in the eyes of God. We must treat everyone with dignity and respect, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized.

The parable of the lost sheep reinforces this message. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that has gone astray, and he rejoices more over the lost sheep than over the ones that did not stray. This is how God loves us - with a love that is relentless, passionate, and unconditional.

In conclusion, let us reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves: Are we humble like children? Do we recognize our dependence on God? Do we treat everyone with dignity and respect? Let us pray for the grace to become like children, to trust in God's goodness and love, and to reflect His love and compassion to those around us.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

Help us to become like children, humble and trusting in Your goodness and love. May we recognize our dependence on You and acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves. We need Your help and guidance every step of the way.

Forgive us for times when we have sought power, status, and prestige. Help us to let go of our pride and self-sufficiency, and instead, cultivate humility and openness.

Remind us that every person is precious in Your eyes, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Give us the grace to treat everyone with dignity and respect, and to reflect Your love and compassion to those around us.

Thank You for Your relentless, passionate, and unconditional love. May we experience Your joy and delight when we turn to You with humble hearts.

We pray this in Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ