Be like a Child

Binhi sang Pagtuo

May 25, 2009

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the Chaplain’s Office!

Our reflection for this week comes from Matthew 18:1-6. The story is about a familiar scene among the disciples of Jesus – a scene in which they asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Recent events aggravated this often repeated discussion because Peter was able to walk in the water together with Jesus, and he was also there in the mountaintop during the transfiguration of Jesus in which Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking to Jesus. James and John also asked Jesus if they can be in the right hand and left hand of Jesus in the kingdom of heaven.

Their inquiry to know who was greatest in the kingdom resulted into a totally unexpected reply from Jesus – “He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

The child is the living embodiment of several truths which the disciples of Jesus had missed. The first truth involves faith.

The people of Israel did not respond when Jesus called them to Him. They stood off at a distance, reserving judgment. When Jesus called the child to Him, the child responded immediately. Very trusting, the child accepted Jesus' invitation at once. (The Teacher's Commentary)

The second truth is about humility. The disciples waited breathlessly for Jesus to name the greatest man, among them. The disciples were wondering what great positions they would have. In response, Jesus took a little child, who had no rights according to the Law, and stood him in their midst. He told the disciples a change in their thinking was necessary. Greatness in the kingdom was not based on great works or words, but on childlike humility of spirit. Jesus bypassed the disciples completely and called a little child into their midst. This child was the example of true greatness. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Competing or jockeying for positions brings about selfishness and disunity. What happened to the disciples long time ago is still happening in our midst today, and it is a scandal to the Christian faith. There is a growing need for humility. We need to let go of our pride, of thinking ourselves more important than we really are. Let us remember that the center letter of the word pride is “I.”

The reply of Jesus indicated that they were asking the wrong question. They should have been concerned about serving the Lord, and not asking about positions in the kingdom. Their service needed to be directed towards the people. Jesus was telling them that they should focus on welcoming the little children – a symbol of the marginalized sector of their society.

What about us? Are we like the disciples that were quarreling for positions, or are we focusing our energy in serving the people of God?

May God continually bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Assistant Chaplain