Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin

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.

— Matthew 18:1-5,10, 12-14


The peace of the Lord be with you. Children are innocent, curious, hopeful, and amazed by what surrounds them. Unfortunately, this often get lost as we travel through life. Today, Jesus encourages us to keep and maintain these type of child like traits. Children accept that they are dependent on others for their well being and their life. We too must remember that despite all we have done, learned, or achieved we are utterly dependent on God — for everything is gift from Him.

So today, as we are told to grow up and be realistic, let us also maintain that child like quality that helps us to appreciate our dependence on the goodness of God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Readings for Tuesday, August 11, 2020