Readings: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Ps. 119:14,24,72,103,111,131, Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
“Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
In today’s first reading, Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat. The scroll contained words of lamentation, mourning, and woe, but surprisingly, as Ezekiel chewed the scroll, it tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth. Truth always appears bitter and too difficult to swallow, but when we are courageous enough to accept it, the truth becomes our saving grace.
Be careful with those who use sugar-coated words when addressing you; they may lead you into a pit. Run away from so-called friends who are not bold enough to tell you the truth to your face but go behind you to condemn you. If everyone praises you, you have attained perfection (no longer human) or are listening to the wrong people.
Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Hitherto, they had been arguing about who was the greatest, so they wanted Jesus to settle the matter. To their greatest surprise, Jesus brought a little child to them, saying, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
God’s kingdom does not operate like our human empires where might is right, where the poor, the weak, and the little ones are trampled underfoot. The principle of greatness before God is not how much money you have or what you have achieved in life. No. The principle of greatness in God’s sight is humility and service. Jesus says: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
Going further, Jesus warns: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The worst mistake you can ever make is to try to take advantage of a child’s weakness, that is, their inability to cry out for justice or fight back. Many children have been abused, maltreated, ignored, and emotionally crushed by persons who feel they are powerful. Some children were even denied their right to life from the womb; their blood cries out for vengeance.
One way we destroy children is by scandalising them. Jesus warned, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:2). Be careful around children. Protect their innocence. Don’t try to exploit their naivety; you will not escape punishment because God does not take such things lightly.
Respect Children. If you cannot respect the innocence and purity of children, at least consider the fact that no child is without their angels sent by God to guard and guide them. There are invisible spirits around every child working all around the clock for their good. Be good to children, and their angels will bless you. If you want to experience the power of children, gather little children together, go down on your knees and ask them to pray for you.
You might wonder, “Do our guardian angels cease to exist when we become adults?” No way. Your angels remain forever. They grow with you. You are never alone. Note that what Jesus says about children also applies to your work employees, juniors, students, assistants, those under your power, and those who are vulnerable to you. Be careful how you treat them. You don’t own tomorrow.
St. Clare of Assisi, born 16 July 1194, was the noble daughter of Count Favorino Sciffi and his devout wife Ortolana. At the age of 18, inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, Clare chose to leave her wealthy life to pursue a life of devotion. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she exchanged her fine attire for a simple robe and veil, becoming a member of the Benedictine convent of San Paolo. Despite her father’s efforts to bring her back, Clare committed herself to a spiritual marriage with Jesus Christ.
St. Francis later relocated Clare and her sister Agnes to Sant’Angelo in Panzo to provide them with greater solitude. This led to the establishment of the ‘Poor Ladies of San Damiano,’ an order dedicated to living in austerity and poverty. In 1216, Clare became the abbess of San Damiano, leading the community with a firm commitment to their humble way of life. One of her most notable acts of faith was confronting soldiers sent by Frederick II, holding the Blessed Sacrament and trusting in divine protection for her convent.
In her later years, Clare faced illness, but her faith remained strong until her death on 11 August 1253. Shortly before her passing, Pope Innocent IV approved her leadership for the Order of Poor Ladies, which was later renamed the Order of Saint Clare. She was canonised in 1255, and her remains are kept at the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi.
Let us pray: O God, who in your mercy led Saint Clare to a love of poverty, grant, through her intercession, that, following Christ in poverty of spirit, we may merit to contemplate you one day in the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Clare, Virgin. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Ps. 119:14,24,72,103,111,131, Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu