Daily Gospel Reflection for October 2, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen Rooney

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10 - Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

The Apostles want to know, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” That question manifests itself in many areas of life, often beginning in the classroom, youth sports, or even at children’s parties. “Is it me?” “Can I be first?” “Am I the best?” From an early age, ambition raises its head as it desires to be on top, to be first, rewarded for its efforts by being the greatest.

But what does the Master say to His Apostles and to you and me? “You must change.” He points to a child. Not the child who is vying to be “me first,” but the happy, trusting, self-forgetful child. The child who loves the dog, smells the daisy, grabs your hand and in a totally unconscious way says, “I love you.”

We have all passed through the stages of childhood. Except for the Blessed Mother, no child has passed through its stages sinless. Yet we all know that there were moments of innocence and self-forgetfulness. We have seen those moments in our own children, grandchildren and friends’ children. They herald a spirit of life that will exist fully in the Kingdom of God but are fleeting moments in this world.

The child of the Gospel delights the Master and He reminds us her angel is present before the Face of God. It is these beautiful qualities of childlike innocence: forgetfulness of self, trust in our heavenly Father, and simple goodness, which adorn the human family in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Master invites us to imitate them and warns us never to despise the child and her trusting innocence.

Ponder:

Do I honor the qualities of children and strive to protect their innocence?

Pray:

Dear Father in Heaven, help me to appreciate and foster in myself and others the qualities of trust, self-forgetfulness, and goodness that children exude.

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It is these beautiful qualities of childlike innocence: forgetfulness of self, trust in our heavenly Father, and simple goodness, which adorn the human family in the Kingdom of Heaven. #dailygospel

Copyright 2020 Colleen Rooney