“He called a child over [and] placed it in their midst. …‘See that you do not despise any of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon our heavenly Father.’” (Mt 18: 2, 10)
In this gospel passage, Jesus makes the transition from “child” to “little ones.” By “little ones,” he means not only children but also simple people, those whom society does not consider important. The fact that their angels bring their prayers before God is an indication of how important they are to our Father.
Just as in Jesus’ time, we have a tendency to look down and not pay attention to the needs of people that we do not consider important. That is why there are so many people in our families, schools, parishes, and homes who are treated as invisible and whose needs are not met.
Jesus reminds us today to pay attention, to look out for the one whom no one invites to the family gathering, for the person who is shunned by others because their marriage did not work out, for the brother or sister who does not fit into our idea of who a good Christian is. Our Lord asks us to reach out—to be kind and spend time with them in our circles of influence. So that they too might know that the kingdom of God has come near. There is place in God’s kingdom for everyone, as long as they are willing to reach out and grasp the hand that is offered to them.
“It is not the will of the Father that any one of these little ones be lost.” (Mt 8: 14)
The above reflection is published with the permission of the author, who wishes to remain anonymous.
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