Daily Gospel Reflection for October 2, 2021

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

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

In my day-to-day life, one struggle that I am very aware of is my own inability to rest easily in trust. I have faith, as I encounter challenges, that things will work out in one way or another, and I have faith that God loves me and wants only what is best for me, but full trust seems more difficult to me. I believe that this is because of my very human desire to try and control things by my own efforts. I know, deep down, that this will only get me so far, and that it will not elicit the result that I desire when things are truly out of my hands, but it is something I grapple with regularly.

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we need to become actively childlike to enter the kingdom of heaven. Children have implict faith and trust in their caregivers. They may test boundaries sometimes, but they fully trust that their needs will be met, physically and emotionally.

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I find this very challenging, and I sense that I am not alone. We long to rest easy in our Father's care, but it is a significant task each day to live this out. I find it useful to force my mind towards restful and prayerful things, as children rest frequently throughout their day. We may not be able to sneak in a nap the way our little ones do, but shutting my brain down from worry for a spell does have the effect of renewing my hope and energies. Our Father is waiting for us to rest our minds peacefully with Him.

Ponder:

What do I see little children doing that I could emulate in my efforts to become more childlike in my faith?

Pray:

Father, I know that you love me deeply, and that you are always waiting for me to turn to You. Guide me in releasing my desire to control things in my own life, and to trust with childlike confidence that you will always be there for me.