There is a big difference between being childish and being childlike.

Reading: Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48.
 
Good morning happy Monday and many blessings my dear family.
 
Today’s Gospel (Luke 9:46-50) presents a scene that likely is familiar to us. The disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest. Sound familiar? Jesus was listening to them. Luke writes: “Jesus realized the intention of their hearts.” Was Jesus disappointed or frustrated with his disciples? After all, these men had been chosen to be servants to one another and to the people. Yet, here they were having a petty argument about who among them was the greatest.

This is one of the incidents in the Gospels where the disciples are caught seeking status in a rather childish way. Our Lord takes the chance to point out obliquely, through the example of a child that greatness is never found in gaining power, but in conforming one’s life to that of His. If that is achieved, one is great no matter how one’s life is otherwise. This was something which the disciples had yet to learn but they did learn eventually.
 
There is a big difference between being childish and being childlike. The disciples, all grown men, were acting childishly in their discussion which Jesus overheard. He recommended that they become childlike. We might make our own, the prayer of St Pascal Baylon. “Lord, give me the heart of a child before my God, the heart of a mother for my neighbor and the heart of a judge with regard to myself”.
 
Power! Throughout history, power and acclaim have dominated politics, religion and social status. It is natural and healthy that all human beings desire a certain amount of power. We all need a moderate amount of power in order to make choices for ourselves. This enables us to choose to have loving, healthy and productive lives. Yet as we know, the desire for power often corrupts, be that in the family, the Church, institutions, business or politics. The intense desire for power often is the downfall of someone who has great potential.

Today Jesus is disturbed that his disciples are so concerned about who is the greatest among them, which could be translated as the one who “has the most power.” Jesus does not directly confront his disciples. Rather he brings a child into their midst and says to them: “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me also receives the One who sent me.” Jesus then continues: “The one who is least among you is the one who is the greatest.”

Today may be a good day to ask ourselves: Are we content with being among the least? Or do we strive for power or influence? Can we be satisfied to be “one with the people” rather than a star or a leader? Today I also invite you to be attentive to those individuals you encounter who truly embody Jesus’ call to be the “least” (in a healthy way)! They can be a living example for us.
 
Blessings,
 
Fr. Luis+