Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 13, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question concerning who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus surprises them by pointing to a child as an example, the most vulnerable among them, the one with the least power and accomplishments and the most innocence and humility. Jesus goes on to describe the divine desire for life and well-being of the most vulnerable by telling of the shepherd who goes in search of the lost sheep, the one who strays away from the safety and protection of the flock. The shepherds efforts shed light for us on the lengths the LORD will go for us and our salvation.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I as humble and open as a child?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You are my Father. Jesus taught us to pray to You, “Our Father, who art in heaven.” I pray this day that I will put down all my pride and preferences and pick up instead humble dependence and reliance on You. Grant that I may live as your child, created by You, seeking to love You with all my being. Send your Spirit to guide me so that I might live as your Son calls me to live as His disciple, fueled by love for You and for all my sisters and brothers. And when I stray, I pray, O LORD, that I may be found. I pray this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.