Tuesday – 19^th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

A Child-like Wonder

Caesarea Philippi

The Saint Kateri Center, where I minister to the Catholic Native American community, first opened as the Anawim Center in 1982, in Chicago’s Uptown community, which was then the center of American Indian life.  The name ‘anawim’ has its roots in the Hebrew language, the language of the Old Testament. It literally means ‘those who are bowed down’ and refers to the poor of every sort – the vulnerable, the marginalized, the socio-economically oppressed, those of lowly status without any earthly power.  In Jesus’ time, it meant children, widows and lepers, those who were completely dependent on others. 

So it should come as no surprise that, when Jesus is asked who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, His response is not religious or political leaders, not the rich or powerful but “a child.”  One who is little and possesses a poverty of spirit, meekness and humility, someone who has trust and confidence in others and no guile or dishonesty in their heart.

That is the “child” that Jesus talks about in today’s Gospel, the child we are all called to be!  That child is what Jesus calls “the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  And that is what we are all called to be: a child – trusting, humble, joyful, energetic for the Faith, willing to learn and grow, willing to serve!  A child who sees everything as if for the first time like their wide-eyed excitement at opening presents on Christmas morning or hunting for eggs on Easter Sunday morning. 

We are called to remember that child inside us all; we are called to live a life of faith and wonder as we serve God and each other. 

Creator of all, help us today to be a source of joy and peace to others.  Guide us and remind us of the simple joy of laughter and play, of love and service.