First reading Isaiah 66:10-14
Towards Jerusalem I send flowing peace, like a river
Rejoice, Jerusalem,
be glad for her, all you who love her!
Rejoice, rejoice for her,
all you who mourned her!
That you may be suckled, filled,
from her consoling breast,
that you may savour with delight
her glorious breasts.
For thus says the Lord:
Now towards her I send flowing
peace, like a river,
and like a stream in spate
the glory of the nations.
At her breast will her nurslings be carried
and fondled in her lap.
Like a son comforted by his mother
will I comfort you.
And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.
At the sight your heart will rejoice,
and your bones flourish like the grass.
To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.
Responsorial Psalm 130(131)
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Lord, my heart is not proud
nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great
nor marvels beyond me.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Truly I have set my soul
in silence and peace.
A weaned child on its mother’s breast,
even so is my soul.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
both now and forever.
Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Gospel Matthew 18:1-5
Unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven
The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.’
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Trusting like little children
As we read the Gospel and try to understand Jesus’s words, we might think that entering the Kingdom of Heaven is not so difficult. We just have to be like children. However, as we engage in dialogue with Him, we may realise that it is not that simple. What does it mean in the gospel to be like a child? A little child cannot manage alone; he needs to depend on his parents. He trusts them, knowing that they will take care of him, and so he lives in peace without worrying about the future.
We often worry about our health, finances, and future. Do we believe that we are children of God? Do we trust in Him, knowing that we are in His hands and He is taking care of us? St. Therese of the Child Jesus, whose feast is celebrated today, did. She lived trusting in God the Father, knowing that, as His child, He was pleased with her little gestures of love.
Reflective question:
Are we ready to trust more in God, letting go of our worries and control of our lives?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
