April 11
Matthew 18:1-5 The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
REFLECTION
Children can be demanding; manipulative and dishonest so why did Jesus say we should be like a child? The answer lies in the original question of who will be greatest? Status. Children had no status and were in fact the property of their father, whose very life belonged to him. The first thing to note is that we are not to be concerned with status in the Kingdom of God. No one is more important than anyone else. We see time and time again Jesus telling the people that the Kingdom is about humility.
Status was important to many in authority and still is. Status is a powerful motivator for individuals and groups. It perpetuates inequality based on social differences such as race and gender. Inequality and bias continue to plague our society with the division widening. There is nothing wrong in striving to improve oneself but not at the expense of others. Neither is it right to feel superior to others. We all have a responsibility to take care of and improve the lives of those without.
What other qualities do children have which we should keep and not grow out of? They are trusting; forgiving; full of awe and wonder; curious; resilient. Sadly, these natural qualities disappear through life’s experiences. We become egocentric; judgmental; unforgiving; retaliatory; hypocritical; self-promoting. Jesus calls us to return to those childlike qualities. Through faith we are to believe and trust in God and through grace we are given the ability to fulfil the mission set before us with love and humility. By such we can be part of the Kingdom of God.
QUESTIONS
- What makes you feel childlike?
- Which childlike qualities do you identify with?
- What makes you look with awe and wonder?
- Have you become cynical?
- How far are you concerned about status?
- Do you find it difficult to trust?
- How forgiving are you?
