Today’s Scripture Readings

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.

How many exasperated parents have uttered the ultimatum to their children about room-tidying or vegetable-eating, pitching them against privileges or treats: ‘Tidy your room or there’ll be no video-gaming’… ‘Eat your vegies or there’ll be no ice cream!’

So, too, does Jesus present the consequence: either you change and become childlike or there is no place for you in the kingdom. Strong and uncompromising words indeed!

There is a very popular and much-loved hymn by Michael Joncas, ‘On Eagles Wings’, a beautiful setting of today’s responsorial psalm. While the life-affirming refrain of this song is not contained in the psalm itself (Ps 90), there is that beautiful line: ‘for to his angels he’s given a command to guard you in all your ways – upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’

Today’s memorial speaks to all of us of the fact that Jesus is walking by our side. Believing in the concept of a guardian angel or simply accepting that Jesus is with me every step of the way, even carrying me when my doubts cause me to struggle to walk by myself, you and I both know that God will never desert us even in our darkest moments: ‘under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield.’

We reflect the innocence of little children when we give ourselves over to God in trust and humility, knowing that in return he will hold us, gently, in the palm of his hand.