Matthew 18, 1-5.10

Matthew 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.”

Reflection
We are always anxious to know who the best is because of our competitive and comparative habits. Status always means a great deal to us. But in the gospel, Jesus showed them that there is another way of seeing the world by saying that we can be the greatest in the kingdom by having the humility and simplicity of little children. Our heads rule our hearts in so many ways. We have lost the innocence of childhood, the humbleness, openness and joyfulness of a child, and the art of entrusting things into the hands of our Father. We want to do everything for ourselves because we feel we know best what is good for us but we should have faith in the Lord because faith does the impossible because it lets God undertake for us, and nothing is impossible for God. The vulnerability and the humility of children, and the remoteness of the idea of power and control in the mind of a child constitute their greatness. We should ask ourselves, do we do things just to be the best or for the glory of God?

Lasallian Guiding Principle
LGP states that, “…the spirit of faith is a spirit that allows one to judge and evaluate things in the light of the gospel.” In relation to the gospel, humility here means to consult the gospel’s wisdom when we evaluate things in our life. Being humble is being the greatest. Humility is the key to enter the kingdom of heaven. As Lasallian, we should humble ourselves like a child in everything that we do for the love and glory of God.

Prayer
Dear Lord, as your child, I fully entrust myself to you. Set us free from the tyranny of selfish pride and teach us to be humble. We ask you, Lord God, to increase our faith as we begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in You. I now surrender my heart and humble myself to become a child filled with greatness to be of service of you. Amen.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
Sign of the Cross.

Value: Spirit of Faith (Nurturing Faith)
Culture Theme: We find wisdom in the Gospel
Productivity Theme: Spiritual Direction
ICV Week 1: We judge and evaluate things in the light of the gospel.

Sources:
Gospel from https://dailygospel.org/AM/gospel/2018-10-02
Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family

Prepared: Myka Joanna B. Alcantara – MLS 1-4