How does one measure greatness? We’re familiar enough with some of the world’s criteria: prestige, rank, influence. These form part of our cultural DNA. When it comes to the Kingdom of God, however, our Lord flips the script. Placing before himself a child, he says that it is such as these who will enter into life.
We need not become at all sentimental about children to understand Jesus’ meaning. It is precisely the child’s lack of prestige or rank or influence, as judged by any legal standards, that qualifies them for the Kingdom.
To make this real, to identify oneself as a child of God—receiving all that we truly need from God—will have little operative meaning unless it takes precedence over the many other markers by which the world judges success.
Isn’t this the path of conversion laid out for each of us?
Just catching up after being on the road for 2 days. Thank you, Fr. Dennis for the wonderful reflection. May God continue my conversion and may I be open to the transformation - 100% available to Him. Lifting all of those who need a little extra today. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
AMEN!
Fr. Dennis love your words of reflection today. Especially the cultural DNA. We all have it in us to be a true believer in God! Blessings to all the LFF. May God hold everyone in his hands especially those with extra needs these days and guide us to calm waters. May we spread his love through all the world like the love and innocence of a child. Being such and animal lover I have to add in the unconditional love of an animal. So many love no matter what they have been through. To love with a true heart is the ultimate.
I have pleasant memories as a child, they are warm and cozy and peaceful. Peace be with you, Amen!
Amen. :)
Offering blessings and prayers to all those celebrating birthdays/anniversaries this October. Once again remembering A sinner's prayer; Amen! Thank you, Holy Father, for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you, Holy Father, most of all, for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. Amen Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies' frequencies (airwaves). Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the power of God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits that prowl about the earth seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
Thank you Fr. Dennis and Salina. I see it in my grandchildren more than I saw it in my own children, the sheer giggling joy of playing with their parents but also the confused look and shying away when their bubbling exuberance is, as they see it, being rejected. Children learn to trust or be cautious as their experiences unfold. No one says parenting is easy, growing from childhood to adulthood is not easy either. In God we have a parent who is totally trustworthy, with only the best of intentions for us. We find this is true as we place our full trust in Him and reap the benefits of a God ordained purposeful life, give it a try I say to cautious doubters, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8 Then observe the benefits emerging in our temporal lives. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
*** Disciples’ question in Matthew 18:1, “ About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” *** Jesus’ answer in Matthew 18:4, “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven!” *** My answer would have been, “God is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven!” But Jesus knew their hearts…their question should have been, “How can we be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven since we gave up everything to follow You?” ******* Jesus didn’t mentioned anything about what the children have done or accomplished but pointed to their humility in Matthew 18:4 mentioned above! This humility of the children points me to their total dependence of God!
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Thank you Father Dennis for your interesting reflection this morning. I believe that God has a conversion plan for each and every one of us in this world. By opening my mind to all peoples and their cultures, I realize that I need to be sensitive to all people. We trust that God’s plan is paramount to ours. Dear Lord, thank you for your Love and acceptance. My prayer is that with Your help, I will become more humble and accepting, just like You.