Service makes us more humble

Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings.

The Gospel today (Matthew 18: 1-5. 10. 12-14) gives the first part of the discourse on the community (Mt 18:1-14) which has as key word “the little ones”. The little ones are not only the children, but also the poor, those who are not important in society and in the community, and also the children. Jesus asks that these “little ones” should always be the center of the concern of the communities because “The Father in Heaven does not will that one of these little ones should be lost” (Mt ‪18:14‬).


In Matthew 18:1 we find the question of the disciples which provokes the teaching of Jesus. The disciples want to know who is greater in the Kingdom. The simple fact of this question reveals that they have not understood anything or very little of the message of Jesus. The whole discourse on the community is given in order to make them understand that among the followers of Jesus the spirit of service should prevail, the gift of self, of pardon, of reconciliation and of gratuitous love, without seeking one’s own interest and one’s own advancement.

Children are born free of prejudice and they are totally open to learning. This is a quality we all need. To be totally open and free of prejudice when it comes to listening to God. To trust completely. Then we are ready to receive everything that God wants us to have and to become everything God wants us to become. To welcome a person who has these qualities in Jesus’ name is to welcome Christ. Who might that person be today?

Jesus here portrays God as watching out for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable and dependent. Jesus did that himself, and as a disciple, so must I! It is a humbling task, but it carries a divine reward, because when I welcome a vulnerable person, I am welcoming the Lord himself.

Jesus is telling us very clearly that every life is precious in his eyes. Every person I meet is invaluable and irreplaceable. Jesus turns conventional attitudes upside down: the ‘little ones’, the people whom the world does not rate as important, are the most precious of all. Will my attitudes today reflect this?

Jesus turns popular values upside down. Who are the people around me who are overlooked? It is unlikely to be children – more probably it is those who offer humble service, the poor, people who are in some way different. 

I wish we could seriously meditate on these questions today: Who are the poorest people of our neighborhood? Do they participate in our community? Do they feel at home or do they find in us a cause to withdraw?

Blessings

Fr. Luis+