Jon Guerra sings, ‘Who is Greatest?’

Who is greatest in the kingdom?

The kingdom of heaven

Who would you say?

Not the rich and not the strong

Not the brilliant, but the small

Lowly ones will be made first

To inherit the universe

So become like children

And you will be the greatest

In the kingdom of heaven

So don't despise any small ones

I tell you, their prayers always reach God

Just like oak trees in a field

They’ll stand tall when all is healed

Lowly ones will be made first

To inherit the universe

So become like children

And you will be the greatest

In the kingdom of heaven

Don't be afraid

Don't be afraid

I’m with you 'til the end of the age

Lowly ones will be made first

To inherit the universe

So become like children

And you will be the greatest

In the kingdom of heaven

Who, then, is greatest in the kingdom?

The kingdom of heaven

Who would you say?

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.’

Jesus shows his disciples many times that his criteria for judgement are not the same as theirs. He chooses a child as the model for discipleship, not to infantilize his followers but to encourage them to value humility as God does. How does this scene speak to you?

Today is the feast of the Guardian Angels, a feast deriving from the Hebrew scriptures to which Jesus refers here. That belief stresses God’s protective love for and interest in every human individual. How do you experience God’s loving care in your life?

As we hear the reading again, listen for whatever stays with you, taking time to notice the what and the why of that emphasis.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.’

Jesus speaks of God’s loving care for each of his little ones. That includes us. Take time to speak to the God whose care surrounds you. What do you want to ask or say to God right now?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen