October 1, 2018

Gospel: Lk 9:46-50
One day, the disciples were arguing about which of them was the most important. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he took a little child and stood him by his side. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me. And listen: the one who is found to be the least among you all, is the one who is the greatest.” Then John spoke up, “Master, we saw someone who drives out demons by calling upon your name, and we tried to forbid him, because he doesn’t follow you with us.” But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him. He who is not against you is for you.”

Reflections
He took a little child and stood him by his side. It is interesting that the greatness is to be seen in the child rather than in the one who knows and controls everything. The child represents all who are vulnerable and weak and powerless. To welcome such persons is to treat them with the utmost dignity and respect and to accept them and be like them In Jesus‘ eyes, these persons are truly great because, to those who have eyes to see, they are the ones in whom we can especially see the liberating character of Jesus‘ words and deeds. St. Francis of Assisi, who kissed the leper (a gesture of mercy), or Mother Teresa, tenderly picking up a decaying, barely living body off the street, knew this well. To find Jesus in such a person is to encounter God within them. God reveals himself in weakness and not in powerful means. Jesus himself shows the greatness of his love for us when he hangs dying and helpless on the cross. This is the lesson the disciples will learn to see and accept in time. We have to keep working on it, too, because it does not come easily to any of us who prefer cheap grace and love.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018