Gospel Reading for August 12, 2025 – Matthew 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14
REALLY LOVE THEM
The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
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The qualities of children such as being obedient, trusting, humble, and dependent are very good qualities for adults to maintain if they are to have a truly deep and personal relationship with God. These are qualities that will determine greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
However, although these qualities are indeed very good, there is a big risk for children to become prey to human predators who are adults.
Parents have to be thoughtful of this and take very good care and be very attentive to their children, such as making sure that the persons they entrust their children with, are truly trustworthy; making sure that their basic needs are provided; giving them time even after a tiring day at work and not let the nursemaid do the parenting; Parents also have to teach the children to protect themselves, making them aware of the dangers around them and helping them understand that these come from not living according to God’s Will.
Children are not given a choice of parents. They are born into a family they did not choose themselves. Hence, it is the duty of those who brought them into the world, or surrogates who take on the responsibility of parents, to bring them up well and not lead them astray. All that parents need to do is to REALLY LOVE THEM. This way, they will be future gifts to mankind and to God.
Lord, help us bring the little children to you by being witnesses of your love!
