8/11/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

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 becomes humble 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.
12 What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?
13 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
14 In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

8/11/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Theme: The Way to Greatness in God’s Kingdom is Becoming a Child.

The world often measures greatness by power, wealth, popularity, or achievements. Many people strive to be first, to be noticed, and to be admired. Yet Jesus turned this way of thinking upside down. When His disciples argued about who was the greatest, He placed a little child before them. In doing so, He revealed that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about climbing higher but about becoming humbler. He also reminded them that every little one is precious in God’s eyes and that the Father tirelessly seeks even one who has wandered away.

The word CHILD helps us remember how to live as true disciples.

C – Choose Humility

A child does not boast about status or seek recognition. Jesus calls us to choose humility every day. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. It means serving instead of demanding to be served, listening instead of insisting on our own way, and giving credit to others instead of seeking applause. God can do great things through people who are humble enough to let Him lead.

H – Honor Every Person

Jesus warned His followers never to look down on the little ones. Every person has immeasurable value because each one is loved by God. Children, the elderly, the poor, the disabled, the lonely, and those whom society ignores all deserve dignity and respect. In today’s world, it is easy to judge people by appearance, education, social media influence, or financial success. Jesus teaches us to see people through the eyes of God’s love. When we honor those whom others overlook, we honor Christ Himself.

I – Include the Lost

The story of the shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for one reminds us of God’s relentless love. He never gives up on those who have wandered away. As followers of Christ, we are called to have the same heart. Instead of criticizing those who have fallen into sin or drifted away from faith, we should pray for them, reach out to them, and welcome them back with compassion. Sometimes the lost are not far away; they may be members of our own family, friends, or neighbors who simply need someone to remind them that they are loved.

L – Love with Compassion

God’s love is personal. He knows every sheep by name and rejoices when even one returns. Compassion goes beyond feeling sorry for someone. It moves us to act. A compassionate heart forgives quickly, encourages generously, comforts the hurting, and patiently helps those who struggle. In a world where people are easily canceled or forgotten, Christians are called to reflect the compassionate heart of the Good Shepherd.

D – Depend on the Father

Children naturally trust those who care for them. Jesus invites us to have that same confidence in our Heavenly Father. We often carry worries about our future, finances, health, or relationships, forgetting that God watches over us. Childlike faith does not ignore life’s challenges; it believes that God is greater than every challenge. When we depend on Him daily through prayer, obedience, and trust, we discover peace that the world cannot give.

The kingdom of God belongs to people who are willing to become like children—not childish, but childlike in humility, trust, love, and openness to God’s will. Greatness is measured not by how many people serve us but by how faithfully we serve others. Every person matters to God, and no one is beyond His saving love. May we reflect His heart by valuing every soul and by never giving up on those who have lost their way.

Remember: CHILD

C – Choose Humility: True greatness begins with a humble heart.
H – Honor Every Person: Every life is precious in God’s sight.
I – Include the Lost: Seek those who have wandered away with love.
L – Love with Compassion: Let mercy guide your actions.
D – Depend on the Father: Trust God with the heart of a child.

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