Gospel Reading: Mt 18:1-5, 10
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 humbles himself 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.”
REFLECTIONS: Their angels in heaven
For believers, angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb 1:14). They watch over “little ones” and enjoy access to God. Children and angels have something in common. Angels are not concerned with their status but only with fulfilling the will of God. Children in Jewish society have no legal status or rights; thus they are virtually invisible in that social setting.
In the Gospel, the disciples are taken aback when Jesus holds up a little child before them. But he tells them to go against culturally accepted norms that do not give importance to children. He contends that children are well represented in heaven; their Guardian Angels are the most influential intercessors who behold the face of God himself.
Children are “little” and are welcomed and blessed by Jesus. They behold him who is God’s faithful image in human form. Having no claim to salvation which is God’s gift freely given and received, children are the fitting symbol of those who enter the Kingdom inaugurated by Jesus. But the humble are exalted by God and are given powerful intercessors before the divine throne.
Pope Francis reflects on this divine presence in our lives, describing the angel as God’s ambassador who accompanies each one of us. He stresses that every person has been given a Guardian Angel by God who stays by our side. It is like having God’s ambassador with us. We have to show respect for his presence and listen to his voice because he gives us guidance.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
