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

Matthew 18:4

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Reflection

Humility and trust are two major themes that come to mind from this Gospel. When the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he shows them a child. How humbling for the grown men! The concept of being childlike is important, as attested to by other parts of Scripture and various saints.

Jesus doesn’t ask us (or need us) to become important, complicated adults who are filled with pride, especially in our relationship with God. Rather, he asks us to be like children, who are eager to please, do the will of their parents, and trust. It may take much growth in humility for us to become spiritually childlike.

Becoming humble requires trust – something that Jesus desires for us to do daily. When we grow in humility, we soon realize that we can do nothing on our own. Consequently, our trust in Christ becomes strengthened. Being childlike in our interior life also helps us to once again glimpse, and perhaps experience, the wonder and awe of God. With this renewed perspective, we can turn and run to our Father, placing all our trust in his goodness.

Reflect on the ways in which you rely on God. In what new ways can you trust him? What areas of your life is he asking you to grow in humility? Ask Jesus for the grace to grow in the virtues of humility and trust today.

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Saint of the Day

Holy Guardian Angels

“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.” 

Matthew 18:10