In RP: Feast of the Sto. Niño
Mt 18:1-5, 10
1The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
10“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Become like children: A friend of mine was working with the Americans when they were forced to leave Iran after the downfall of the Shah. She was then with her newborn baby. During the evacuation, they sat her with her infant at the first row of the bus. She was wondering why they had to keep her up front amid the tension and danger. During the long bus ride to the airport, they had to pass through many checkpoints. Then she realized why they had positioned her up front together with her baby. When the Iranian soldiers boarded the bus for inspection, they would notice the child immediately, smile, and let the group pass through.
A small child always evokes compassion and understanding from us. This is the same reason why Jesus wants us to become like children—not so much to be simple and innocent like little kids as to evoke compassion and kindness from others. It is one of our Christian roles to invite and bring out goodness from others.
Be cool to everyone!