19th Week in Ordinary Time : Tuesday 9th August 2022

The disciples of Jesus had, by now, been living with Him 24/7. They had heard His teaching; seen His miraculous healings and exorcisms; witnessed Him feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes; been astounded by His walking on the water, and awed by His transfiguration. And yet, they could argue amongst themselves about, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” As they could not come to a satisfactory agreement, they had approached Jesus for ‘the answer’ (v 1).

What was Jesus’ answer? He “called a little child to Him and set the child in front of them” (v 2). And then He told them, “change and become like little children” (v 3)! If not, becoming “the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” will not matter at all, and the kingdom of heaven will be barred to them (v 3)! Then Jesus told His disciples, “the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (v 4).

For Jesus, the disciples needed to learn about the value of those who are “humble” but also those who are considered “insignificant”. Thus, He went on to teach them about the shepherd leaving his ninety-nine sheep to seek the one who had gone astray (v 12) – the one per cent (1%).

Are we seeking to impress others with our status, wealth and qualifications – so as to be considered ‘great’ by the world; or are we seeking to grow in child-like humility – so as to be considered ‘great’ by God?

Lord, help us be willing to learn continually what true greatness is.