Become like Children

09-19-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear people of God,

Good morning to you all. The readings of 25th Sunday invite us to listen to Christ, who came down from heaven to serve humanity, and to follow his example by living an orderly and peaceful life. Today’s first reading is fulfilled in the life of Christ. First, it points to Christ the Son of God, who was put to death by jealous and wicked people. As a righteous man, Jesus reproached the and condemned the ambitious Pharisees and scribes of his time. They took offense, and so, persecuted and crucified Christ.

In today’s gospel, Jesus foretells his imminent suffering, death and resurrection. Unfortunately, instead of reflecting on what Christ was saying, his disciples were busy quarreling secretly over who was the greatest. Of course, their argument was aimed at the earthly government they imagined that Christ had come to establish. So, Jesus’ disciples were experiencing a conflict of interest. Therefore, by using a child as an example for us today, Jesus is simply teaching us that we have to become like children in order to be great. Of course, this does not mean being childish. Rather, it means being child-like. It means that, we have to live our lives in humble service to God and to one another.

Sometime, this is what we see in any societies that personal ambition is considered more important than anything else. There, we see in-fighting, gossips, indifference, aggression, hatred, and all sorts of vices. All these, come at the expense of the common good and peaceful coexistence. Wherever these exist, there can be no progress, prosperity and peace. Finally, to be great is to be focused on something other than oneself. It means our ability to accommodate, welcome, and work in harmony with others just as children always do. It also means the readiness to accept the truth and, to reflect positively on it.

Have a great and wonderful Sunday!

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Doss

BACK TO LIST