Dr. Martin Kallungal
READING : “At this time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?’ So he called a little child to him whom he set among them. Then he said, ‘In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name welcomes me.”
REFLECTION : The passage we have read from St. Mathew gives a succinct report of a lovely conversation between Jesus and his disciples. This conversation will make sense to only those who believe in and accept the kingdom of heaven in their very life-world. Those who do not bother about the kingdom of heaven will not take the question about the leaders in the kingdom as an important matter. In this passage, Jesus is not talking to the public; rather, he is addressing his disciples. This passage introduces the general attitude and behavioral norm for those who are aspiring discipleship and leadership in the new communities that are taking shape according to the values of Jesus’ Gospel. Put plainly, humility is the condition, according to Jesus, both for entering and having a status in the kingdom of heaven on earth. “Change and become like children,” says Jesus. As in many cultures even in our time, children were socially unimportant persons in the Mediterranean culture in Jesus’ time. When Jesus asks his disciples to become like children, he does not mean that they must become childish. He wants them to assume the social powerlessness of children. Children have no economic independence. For all their needs they have to depend on their parents, elders and teachers. Jesus does not want his disciples to imitate the powerful in secular societies, but the powerless ones therein. His teaching is clearly antithetical to the social structures and styles. The kingdom that he inaugurates in the world is a contrast community. In order to become a member of this new community, one has to be humble and to be converted. Asserting oneself over others will not help anyone to achieve greatness in the kingdom. Prophets in the Old Testament were not rich, but they could stand against kings and the crowd. Suspicion of wealth and power is a defining feature of the leadership style in kingdom communities. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses tells Israelites that the king of Israel must be different from the kings of the surrounding nations in some respects: (i) he must be chosen by Yahweh, (ii) he must not acquire more and more horses, wives, silver and gold (iii) he must read the Law of the Lord every day and follow them without fail, and, (iv) he shall not think himself superior to his brothers (17:14-20). Radical dependence on God, simplicity, modesty, obedience to the Law of the Lord, and humility are the characteristics of Christian leaders.
PRAYER : Thank you, Lord, for disclosing the secret of Christian discipleship. I begin to understand why you chose to enter the world as a child, and why you treasured innocence, simplicity and powerlessness all through your life on earth. I am ashamed to recall the mental games and secret tricks I have played in order to project me above others. Sometimes even my prayers had been tainted by hidden plans for ensuring security, self-respect and spiritual rewards. Lord, teach me to find and adore you in your eternal childhood. You have given this special grace to your foster father, St. Joseph, your beloved mother, Holy Mary, many shepherds and three wise men from the East, Simon and Anna in the Temple, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Antony of Padua, St. Theresa of Child Jesus, and numerous others. Through the intercession of all saints, I pray, Lord, grant me the grace to love and follow you in your childlike simplicity, humility and trust.
CONTEMPLATION : Stay with the last verse of the passage we have read: “Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name welcomes me.” To welcome a child is to welcome Christ; and to become like a child is to grow as Christ.
ACTION : Find some time to mingle with children, talk to the poor, and visit the sick. Stop mimicking the powerful ones in the society, and consciously give up the love of fame.
