August 14, 2012 – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 – True Greatness / The Parable of the Lost Sheep

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe

At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Take care that you do not despite one of these little ones; for I tell you in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Father John Bertao mentioned about the saying “Twice in our lives we are children.” Like children, parents do not care about impressing on anyone when they reached retirement. When they become grandparents, they are the most forgiving persons who like to spoil their grandchildren. Jesus presents child as a model of sanctity. The greatest in the kingdom of heaven are the children and those that are childlike. They want attention and do not want to impress on anybody. They also value family ties. The ones who welcome God’s children welcomes Himself.

Today, we remember Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest, who was declared a martyr of  charity. He is the patron saint of political prisoners as he gave his life in prison.