Readings: Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Deuteronomy 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
"Truly, I say to you, whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
What does it mean to be great? In yesterday’s Gospel passage, we saw how Jesus instructed Peter to go to the sea and take out a shekel from the mouth of a fish to pay the temple tax. According to St. Jerome, this action of Jesus sparked off a debate among the disciples of Jesus, who felt that Jesus gave Peter a form of preferential treatment by asking him to pay their taxes with the same coin.
A discussion soon arose among his disciples as to who was the greatest in the kingdom of God, so they asked Jesus. Another theologian, Origen, says we must learn from this action of the disciples to always ask questions when we are in doubt. To the surprise of the disciples, Jesus did not mention any particular name or person; instead, he provided a new definition of greatness.
Jesus brought a child before the disciples and said: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, our measure of greatness in heaven will be according to our measure of our child-like humility on earth.
There is something in every human being called the “pride.” From the compulsive desire to win in an argument, for instance, to the feeling of being better than others in one way or another. To see pride at work, go to any busy street or marketplace, and watch how people flare up at one another to make themselves appear greater than others.
Have you been guilty of such behaviours? Jesus says, “Be humble like a child; seek to love others rather than exercise power over them.” St. Hilary of Poitiers clarified that by “infant”, Jesus was not referring only to little children. The infants are people who “do not will what is evil, do not bear hate or speak lies, trust what is told them, and believe what they hear to be true.”
Eckhart Tolle says, “Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. True power is within; it is the ability to control one’s pride.” He is truly powerful who can control himself. True greatness is humility. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Mathew 5:5)
In today’s first reading, Joshua takes over the mantle of leadership from Moses. In his handover note, Moses told Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage… it is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut. 31:7-8). This advice remains relevant even today. Have strong faith in God, do not be afraid of what anyone can do to you, and God will not forsake you.
The difference between a proud person and a humble person is that while the proud person trusts in himself (and his abilities), the humble person trusts completely in God, like a child who has absolute faith in his parent’s ability to protect them. While the proud person seeks to promote himself, the humble person seeks out ways to promote the greatness of God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to practice true humility. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Deuteronomy 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu