Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 2, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Memorial of the Guardian Angels

Scripture Text: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

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 humbles himself 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the Gospel of Matthew reminds us both of our human tendency to desire prestige. Jesus turned the disciples’ question of who would be the greatest on its head by pointing to a child as a model for them. Jesus identifies the specific characteristic of humility as the most desirous, poor in spirit, aware of one’s needs and dependence upon one greater. We shouldn’t be surprised. When Jesus began his Sermon on the Mount, we will recall, that He began with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus later goes on to tell the disciples that such as this child, the vulnerable, the humble are to be loved and cared for, and the Jesus tells us that these have angels in heaven. This is where we get the idea of our guardian angels, those spirits assigned to us to help us on our journey. We recall hearing of such an angels in Exodus: “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I truly humble? Or do I long for prestige among others? Do I consider what the LORD provides to help me on my journey?

Praying:

LORD, who are we that You should love us as You do? Who are we that You should provide for us as we journey through this life? Always and everywhere, You are there. When we cry out, You hear our prayer. Help us, LORD, on our journey home. Guide us and strengthen us so that we might one day look upon your face as the angels You have sent to guard us on our path. Amen.