10/2/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,
3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
10 “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.”

10/2/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Greatness is often measured by achievements, titles, or recognition. From a young age, children are taught to aim for the top like to be the best in class, excel in sports, or land the most prestigious job. Society paints greatness as being powerful, wealthy, or admired. Yet Jesus turned this idea upside down. He revealed that true greatness is found in humility, in the simplicity of a child’s heart, and in valuing even the least among us.

Think about how children see the world. They approach life with trust, curiosity, and joy in the smallest things. They forgive quickly, laugh easily, and rarely dwell on tomorrow’s worries. In contrast, adults often complicate life with pride, resentment, and anxiety. A child reminds us that to be great is not to dominate others but to depend fully on God and treat people with openness and kindness.

Modern life gives us countless examples. A busy executive may find herself slowing down because her little daughter asks her to sit and play pretend tea party. In that moment, success is not about meetings or deadlines—it’s about presence, humility, and valuing relationships. Or consider a teacher who kneels to speak eye-to-eye with a struggling student, showing patience instead of frustration. This is greatness in God’s eyes: lowering oneself to lift others up.

Jesus also warns us never to despise those who seem small, unnoticed, or vulnerable. In our time, this could mean the homeless person we pass daily on the street, the quiet janitor who cleans the office long after everyone has gone home, or the child with special needs who requires extra patience and care. Their worth is immeasurable in God’s sight. To ignore them or dismiss them is to miss the very heart of heaven’s values.

We live in a world obsessed with influence and visibility. Social media often teaches us to measure ourselves by followers, likes, and shares. Yet God sees greatness in the mother who tirelessly sacrifices sleep to care for her newborn, in the volunteer who serves meals at a shelter without posting about it online, and in the child who prays sincerely for their family at night. Heaven measures differently—it honors humility, service, and love.

The image of angels watching over children reminds us that God is deeply concerned for the little ones, both literally and figuratively. Every act of kindness toward them is noticed. Imagine a community where the elderly are not neglected but cherished, where the poor are not ignored but empowered, and where children are protected instead of exploited. That is what living out God’s vision of greatness looks like.

To be childlike is not to be immature or naïve. It means living with trust, humility, and openness. It means letting go of pride that insists we always be first, and instead finding joy in serving others. Think of a nurse who quietly comforts a patient during a long night shift, or a student who befriends the lonely classmate everyone else overlooks. These are acts that reflect the greatness of God’s kingdom.

So perhaps we should ask ourselves: Am I striving to be great in the eyes of people, or in the eyes of God? Am I willing to humble myself, value the “least,” and serve with a childlike heart?

When we live this way, we discover that true greatness does not come from being admired but from loving deeply. It is found not in climbing ladders but in kneeling to serve. And in doing so, we mirror the very heart of God, who sees every child, every humble act, and every quiet moment of love as the greatest treasures of all.

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