PRI Reflections on Scripture | Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel 

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. "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. 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? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

Reflection

Children did not have status at the time of Jesus. Yet Jesus see’s in children such a beautiful image of what he wishes adults would be. The qualities of a child are perfect for the kingdom of God.

Closing Prayer

Father, it's strange that sometimes we believe that religion is there somehow is a block, not allowing us to become who we really want to be, or who we are. And the truth is that everything that Jesus teaches leads us into a place of acceptance of our human nature, acceptance of everything potentially we have within us, and longs for us. And we pray that we will mature and grow. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross