In Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility, the value of every individual, and the boundless love of God. He uses the image of a child to convey these truths, emphasizing that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is found in humility and simplicity of heart.
1. Embrace Childlike Humility: Jesus tells us to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. Children are humble, dependent, and trusting. In our spiritual lives, we are called to let go of pride and self-sufficiency and embrace humility, recognizing our need for God in every aspect of our lives.
2. Value Each Person: Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for the "little ones" and not looking down on them. This reminds us to treat every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their status or background. We are called to see others as God sees them, with infinite value and worth.
3. Guard Against Leading Others Astray: Jesus warns against causing others, especially those who are vulnerable, to stumble. This teaches us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others. We should strive to live in a way that leads others closer to God, rather than away from Him.
4. God’s Relentless Pursuit of the Lost: In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus illustrates God’s relentless love for those who have strayed. God doesn’t give up on us, no matter how far we wander. This reassures us that we are never beyond the reach of God’s grace and that we should also seek to bring others back to Him with the same persistence.
5. Rejoice in God’s Mercy: The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy. We are encouraged to rejoice in the mercy we have received and extend that same mercy to others, celebrating when someone returns to God.
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 teaches us about the importance of humility, the value of each person, and God’s unending love for the lost. By applying these lessons in our lives, we can grow closer to God and help others experience His love and mercy.
Heavenly Father, help us to embrace the humility of a child, valuing each person as You do. Guard our hearts from leading others astray and fill us with Your relentless love for the lost. May we always rejoice in Your mercy and extend it to others. Amen.
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Today's Homily:
In Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14, Jesus teaches us profound lessons about humility, value, and God’s love. The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, expecting perhaps a powerful or wise figure. Instead, Jesus brought a child before them, saying that unless they became like little children, they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. This was a powerful reminder that in God’s eyes, greatness is not measured by status, power, or wealth, but by humility, innocence, and a trusting heart.
Jesus then speaks about the importance of not looking down on "little ones," warning against leading them astray. Each person, especially the vulnerable, is precious to God. We are called to protect, respect, and value every individual, recognizing their worth in God’s eyes.
The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God’s relentless love. Even if one sheep goes astray, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one. This shows us that God’s love is personal and persistent. He does not give up on anyone, no matter how far they have wandered. His joy in finding the lost is a reminder of His boundless mercy.
In our lives, we are invited to embrace humility, value others as God does, and seek out those who are lost with the same love that God shows us. By doing so, we reflect the heart of God and draw closer to His kingdom.
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Today's Story:
A story that resonates with the message in Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 is that of Father Damien of Molokai, a Catholic priest who devoted his life to serving a leper colony in Hawaii during the 19th century.
Father Damien was sent to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, where those suffering from leprosy were isolated and left to die. When he arrived, he found a community living in squalor, with little hope or dignity. Instead of distancing himself from the lepers, Father Damien embraced them as his own. He lived among them, cared for their needs, and treated them as beloved children of God.
Father Damien’s actions embodied the humility and love Jesus speaks of in Matthew 18. He did not consider himself above the people he served; rather, he became one with them, sharing in their suffering and giving them hope. He saw each person, no matter how disfigured or outcast, as precious and deserving of love.
Eventually, Father Damien contracted leprosy himself, but even then, he continued to serve with the same dedication. His life was a living example of Jesus' teaching to value each person and to seek out the lost, no matter the cost.
Father Damien’s story teaches us the importance of humility, seeing the value in every person, and the selfless love that seeks to bring God’s comfort and hope to those who are suffering. His legacy reminds us that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others with a heart of humility and love.
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