Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14
In the gospel today Jesus says: “I assure you, unless you
change and become like little children, you will not enter the
“Like little children.” What does it mean? What characteristics does a child have that Jesus liked and valued so much?
There are many endearing qualities of a child like the power to wonder, the power to forgive and forget even when adults treat him or her unjustly, the ability to learn. But of all the child’s qualities there seem to be three which make him or her the symbol of a citizen of the Kingdom.
First and foremost, there is the quality of childlike humility. “Whoever humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus said as he made a child stand in the middle of his disciples. Humility is instinctive in a child. He or she does not wish to push himself or herself to the limelight, but would rather fade on the background. Later as the child grows up, he or she get initiated to compete, to scramble for prizes and positions, thus leaving behind this innate humility.
The second characteristic of a child is his or her dependence. He or she is perfectly content to be utterly dependent on those who love and care for him or her. This childlike dependence should make us aware of our dependence on God and interdependence on one another. This, too, is the true meaning of the first beatitude. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Related to this quality of dependence is the child’s trust. Once a child boarded a bus unaccompanied and looking very confident.The passengers were as curious as amused. “Are you not afraid to be traveling all by yourself? One passenger asked. “No, ma’am, the driver of this bus is my father,” she replied.
Trust in God is not, however, childish and passive. As much as we trust God to do his part, we should likewise do ours,
“Unless you become a little child, you cannot enter in the kingdom of heaven.”