Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Table of the Word: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14
Theme: You must be child-like.
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1ff.)
Most often, Christ employs the image of children in the course of His teaching to bring home the message. Not that there are no images to be used, but He did that for a purpose. What then is the purpose of this illustration using child-like character?
In a child we find: innoncency, docility, dependency, curiosity and authnticity of behaviour; and no absolute pretence.
These and many are the background where our Lord based His teaching on.
In our reflection today, Evangelist Matthew gave an account of the invitation of Christ to His disciples to turn and become like children, even though they have passed the stage.
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1ff.)
However, this teaching arouses in many minds thought provoking questions on: How can we become like children having left the infant stage?. As a matter of fact, the invitation is a call to docility, humility, dependency and authenticity of behaviour.
If we are to be child-like, we ought to be humble like little children and docile to the detects and ordinances of the Lord.
To buttress this point, the Psalmist in the course of today's liturgy of the Word has this to say:
"I rejoice in the way of your precepts, as though all riches were mine." (Psalm 119:14.)
How many of us rejoice over the precepts of the Lord as children could do? For a child who is being advised creates no room for argument. Rather, he listen to the instruction and carry it to the latter. In reverse, an adult will ask: Why?, When? and How?.
Finally, let us pray for child-like attitude so that we can understand the sacred mysteries of God and be prudent in our actions. Peace! Be with you.
Let us pray
Father of mercy, we give You thanks for the many blessings You shower upon us. Grant we pray the docility and humility of children so that we may gain wisdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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