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Gospel Reading for October 02, 2026 – Matthew 18: 1-5, 10
GREAT TRUST
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 humbles himself 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.”
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Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.
There are several beliefs regarding guardian angels. There is a traditional belief that for each one of us, an angel is assigned to guide, guard, and protect us throughout our lives. There is also a belief that they collectively protect human lives upon God’s initiative and in His time. Whatever our belief may be, what is important is Jesus’ assurance that there are indeed angels who are meant to protect us from harm, especially from the evil one.
A child will always remind us of how simple life truly should be—free from cares and worries, and ever dependent on the adults in whose care they are. Although we may already be adults, if we have GREAT TRUST in God, then we, too, can be free from cares and worries and remain ever dependent on the grace of God.
Parents and guardians, however, have to take their responsibility seriously—to enhance the qualities that their children already have and to help them grow into responsible and caring individuals. A lot of children lose their childlike qualities even before they become adults because they belong to dysfunctional families. What is worse is the great risk that, because of this, they may become juvenile delinquents.
According to the United Nations, children have basic rights: the right to survival, the right to development, the right to protection, and the right to participation. These little ones have all the rights accorded by God to every living person. We have to treat them with the same respect that we give to adults.
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
