A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB
“At that time 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.’”
Matthew 18:1-5
We know what it means to be a child: a child can’t provide for itself. A child is watched after. A child is fed. A child is wrapped in light as in a robe. A child is kept warm. A child is cared for. A child is loved. Or it should be. That’s what is means to be a child.
Unfortunately we live in an age of entitlement, in an age of “I deserve…”. And if that’s the approach, nothing will be gift, because “I’ve deserved it, it’s just mine.” Instead we should try to practice gratitude, because everything is gift. Nothing is yours to keep, but for you to use for the glory of God. When we live this way, there is a real freedom of detachment. We are so cared for as God’s children, and in return we have One who deserves all our love. Thank Him! Never stop answering His call to be His child. How fully are you giving yourself to Him who has given you everything?
