Father, in today's reading below, it is interesting to see how the disciples were concerned about who was the greatest. Just as it was then, so it is now, we keep looking for recognition, honor, an 'atta girl' or 'atta boy' pat on the back. The hunger for greatness and importance does not seem to wane or quit. When asked, "Who is the greatest?" Jesus chose a little child and put the child at His right side. The right side is that privileged position and represents the guest of honor. The child is not just the innocent one but in those days was the lowly one because it was the children who were domestic servants and part of the household staff. They really were like the 'low man on the totem pole'. But Jesus, He put the lowly humble child right smack dab next to Him.

I understand a child is completely dependent on their parents for their every need and every want, so must I be completely dependent upon You. Further, I must not neglect or influence anyone to stray from that which is right because we are all Your children, young and old. Thoughout the Scriptures and particularly in the Gospels we are taught to come to You with child-like dependence just as our children are completely dependent on us. It can become all too easy for me to busy my Life with work, family, worry, struggles and juggling day-to-day chaos and forget all about You.

This reminds me of how You as our Ultimate Parent will never leave us; how You will always want us; how You will always Love us; how You will always receive us; how You will always want us close to You and right up next to You, tugging on You asking question after question after question. We should be completely dependent upon You like a child dependent upon the parent. Father, I know You will never leave any of Your children or abandon any of us. If anything, it is us who will choose to leave or abandon You. Thank You for this awareness today and reminding me of our Father/child relationship and how my Spiritual DNA leads right back to You.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,

3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever receives one child such as this in My Name receives Me.

10 "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.

12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?

13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.

14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

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