Friends, we lack the capacity of viewing life perfectly if we do not view it from the lenses of the author of Life. In a world where power, influence and affluence are celebrated, Jesus calls us today in the gospel reading to be as humble as the little child if we must become great.
The disciples who asked about the greatest in the kingdom seemed to be so concerned about position. But then, Jesus understands so well that it is embedded in the fabrics of human beings to seek to be great. Hence, he answers with meekness and says “unless you are like these little children.”
There is a need to continue to examine our intentions. No one can assert himself as enough in the sight of God. It is God who makes great. To be made great by God, we have to first of all cultivate the virtue of humility. This is the acceptance of our loneliness. This is where God sees and decides to lift us up. Pride is already a rebellion because through it we take on what we are not.
To be like the little children does not mean we should be childish. It is accepting ourselves as what we are; the creature of God. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. No proud person is usable by God.
If Joshua was a proud person, he wouldn’t have been chosen to succeed Moses who led the people of God. He trusted in the Lord and His capability. To be pliable in the hands of God is to be humble.
Let us pray to God to help us always set our priorities right so we can embrace humility.
May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
