Do Not Despise the Little Ones

Readings: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131; Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14.

“Unless you transform and become as children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever becomes humble as this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3–4.

In today’s first reading, Ezekiel receives a scroll to consume. The scroll held words of weeping, mourning, and anguish, but when Ezekiel chewed it, it tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth. The truth is always bitter and tough to swallow, but when we have the guts to accept it, it becomes our saving grace.

• Be wary of people who use sugar-coated phrases to address you; they may lead you into a pit. Run away from so-called pals who are too afraid to tell you the truth in front of you and instead condemn you behind your back. If everyone praises you, you have either acquired perfection (and are no longer human) or are listening to the wrong people.
• Jesus’ disciples questioned him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” They had previously argued about who was the greatest, so they wanted Jesus to settle the issue. To their surprise, Jesus appeared with a tiny kid and told them, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
• God’s kingdom does not operate in the same way as our human empires do, where might makes right and the poor, weak, and children are trampled. The principle of grandeur before God is not about how much money you have or what you have accomplished in life. No. The principle of greatness in God’s eyes is humility and service. Jesus said: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11.)
• Jesus continues, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The biggest error you can ever make is to try to use a child’s vulnerability, which is their incapacity to cry out for justice or fight back. Many children have been molested, mistreated, disregarded, and emotionally destroyed by people who believe they are powerful. Some children were even denied the right to life in the womb, and their blood cries out for revenge.
• One way we harm children is to scandalize them. Jesus cautioned: “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:3). Be cautious around children. Preserve their innocence. Don’t try to take advantage of their inexperience; you will face retribution since God does not tolerate such behavior.
• Respect children. If you cannot respect children’s innocence and purity, consider the fact that every child has angels sent by God to protect and guide them. Every youngster is surrounded by invisible spirits who work tirelessly for their good. Be kind to children, and their angels will bless you. If you want to feel the power of children, collect a group of small children, kneel down, and ask them to pray for you.
• You may question, “Do our guardian angels disappear when we reach adulthood?” No way. Your angels live on forever. They grow alongside you. You’re never alone. Remember that what Jesus teaches about children applies to your coworkers, juniors, students, assistants, people under your authority, and those who are susceptible to you. Take care in how you treat them. You do not own tomorrow.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to respect children and act more childish in our interactions with others. We pray this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the union of the Holy Spirit, God for all eternity. Amen.