Gospel for the Day with Pointers

Tuesday, 1st October,2024

St Therese of the Child Jesus,virgin and doctor,

Matthew 18:1-5

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.’

• Are you surprised that people in Jesus’ time were already talking about who is the greatest? Today, the clamour to be recognized as “somebody” has become a common obstacle to grow in our faith in God.
  
  
• Jesus enlightens us that to be the greatest in God’s kingdom we must be humble. We need to empty ourselves of our pride and self-seeking glory like an innocent child or lowly servant.  
  
  
• If we desire to live with God for all eternity after we die, then we are called to live in Christ-like ways while we are on earth. Is it not wise for us to live our daily lives now according to Jesus’ calling?