Gospel Reflection For The 13th day of August in the year of Our Lord, 2024

Childlike Humility

Gospel

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

1 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, 3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. 8 And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 What think you? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray: doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the mountains, and go to seek that which is gone astray? 13 And if it so be that he find it: Amen I say to you, he rejoiceth more for that, than for the ninety-nine that went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father, who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

I think it is striking that today’s Gospel tells us that God has revealed His truths not to the wise and learned, but to the childlike. Such passages always make me think of Saint Faustina Kowalska and Saint Therese of Lisieux, who had this quality in common. They were both humble women, with a child-like innocence. Saint Faustina experienced great hardship because she was simply thought to be too unintelligent, ignorant and lowly to receive messages and visions from God. Bernadette Soubirous is another who comes to mind that would fit this category. Even Saint Hildegard von Bingen complained that she lacked the education and intellect to convey God’s messages, although she became one of the most enlightened and insightful women in Christian history.

This childlike humility that God love loves and favors is not restricted to female saints. Many of the greatest male saints have been equally humble and unassuming. Of course, the first that come to mind is Moses, who pleaded with God not to make him a prophet because he was not eloquent and may have had a speech impediment. But, the history of our Church is full of stories of great saints who sought the lowest positions they could find - cooks, gardeners, greeters and ushers, hermits, those who left wealthy families to care for lepers and outcasts, etc., fully embracing humility and service… far too many to begin to list!

For many children, helping others is somewhat of a natural instinct. Of course, a lot depends on how they are raised. A child to whom love is shown and who is taught to be loving and helpful will generally mimic such behavior. For those who are abandoned or abused, have experienced damage in the womb from drug and alcohol abuse, or who are simply raised by unfit parents, learning such compassion can be a struggle. I have known children who displayed sociopathic behaviors at a very young age - both had mothers who abused drugs and alcohol while pregnant. So, while I may be wrong and I certainly do not claim to have phycological insight, I believe that a child, cared for and raised as God intended will be more likely to have this naturally saintly personality at least until they reach the age of rebellion, resentment and temptation. Of course, they have to be taught to share and to be obedient, and not spoiled or selfish. But, this ideal seems to be what our Lord indicates when He references childlikeness in terms of behavior, faith and innocent love.

What a shame it is that most everything in our culture seems intent on destroying such good, childlike qualities! From the destruction of the family to secular indoctrination in schools, to the confusion, darkness, anger, violence, sexual deviancy and drugs that pervade nearly every corner of our media and the internet… and school libraries, all seems designed to lead the little ones astray. Frankly, I’m not going to even try to say anything deeply spiritual or intellectual here. Our culture is sick and evil. The only cure is intact families in which two loving parents actually raise their own children and follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. It does not take a village, nor does it take a government, to raise a child. It takes a family and a Church.

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Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings July-December, 2024 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3ZTXQB4

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic