Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Deuteronomy 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, 9 and 12

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

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.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I need to learn the lesson of true humility. I need to see myself as I really am: with my unique gifts and talents and personality, with my faults and tendencies. Help me to act as your child and as a servant to my brothers and sisters.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Ecclesiastical Discourse in Book Four of Matthew: Today, we begin to hear the “Ecclesiastical Discourse” in Matthew’s Gospel. It focuses on the kind of kingdom Jesus is establishing. It emphasizes especially the merciful dimension of the Kingdom of heaven. The community that Jesus is assembling is gathered around Jesus as brothers and sisters of the same heavenly Father. “As such they are to be humble (18:1-5), avoid personal sin (18:8-9) and scandalizing others (18:6-7), seek the lost (18:10-14), and forgive those who harm them (18:15-35). The disciples who relate to their brethren in this way will reign with Christ in his kingdom” (Mitch and Sri, The Gospel of Matthew, 225). The discourse begins with a lesson in humility. Peter has been very prominent in the narrative of the last two chapters: Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom to Peter; Peter experienced the transfiguration; and the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter. “Perhaps with all the special attention given to Peter the disciples fall into competition and wonder who among them is the greatest in the kingdom that Jesus is about to establish in Jerusalem” Mitch and Sri, The Gospel of Matthew, 226). Jesus teaches that greatness in the kingdom is not measured by power or wealth but by child-like humility.

2. Searching for the Lost Sheep: Christians are to be humble and childlike and not seek the glory of this passing world. They are to see themselves as servants. Jesus illustrates this in two ways. First, he speaks about our guardian angels. On the one hand, the good angels are in the very presence of God and behold the face of the Father. On the other hand, they care for the “little ones.” If angels have such an exalted status – behold the face of God – and yet are entrusted with the care of human beings, how much more should we, who do not behold the face of God while on earth, care for our fellow human beings? The second image Jesus uses is that of the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to seek out the lost sheep that has gone astray. Those who are great in the kingdom of heaven seek out the lost sheep, even when they have strayed.

3. The Song of Moses: In the First Reading, Moses is at the end of his life and transfers leadership and authority to Joshua. Allegorically, the death of Moses foreshadows the end of the Old Law, when its altar is left desolate and its sacrifices, priests, and ceremonies pass away. The succession of Moses by Joshua announces the coming of Jesus (the New Joshua), when nations embrace the faith, churches are raised, altars are consecrated by the precious Blood of Christ, and priests minister the Word of God (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, 321). The Responsorial Psalm is taken from the Song Moses sang in Deuteronomy 32. It foretells how Israel will violate the covenant of Deuteronomy. The song praises the Lord, who is always faithful like a steadfast rock, and prosecutes Israel for her corruption, idolatry, and faithlessness.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for going out to find me when I stray. I am comforted knowing that you will put me on your shoulders and bring me back to the flock. Protect me from all evil and call my name so that I may return to you always.

Living the Word of God: The Holy Spirit gives us his gifts and urges all of us to continue this mission, so that all men and women may enter the Kingdom of heaven. Which of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit do I most need: fear of the Lord, piety, fortitude, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, counsel?