The Child in Our Midst

 

Gospel

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.”

Historical Background

Matthew 18 is part of Jesus’ teachings in Galilee, likely in Capernaum, where He addresses His disciples directly. The question of “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” reflects the disciples’ misunderstanding of greatness, shaped by societal hierarchies and honor culture in first-century Judaism. Jesus responds by placing a child in their midst—a radical gesture in a world where children had no status or power.

Theological Context

This passage reveals the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of God. Greatness is redefined through humility and childlike trust. Angels watch over the “little ones,” affirming their divine worth. The parable of the lost sheep emphasizes God’s relentless pursuit of the marginalized and the wandering.

Jesus teaches that humility, care for the vulnerable, and restoration are central to His mission and the character of His followers.

Learning Lessons

True greatness lies in humility, not status. Children symbolize dependence, purity, and openness—qualities essential for discipleship. Every soul matters to God; no one is expendable. Spiritual leadership must reflect the Shepherd’s heart—seeking the lost and protecting the weak.

The Child in Our Midst

He placed a child in the circle wide,  

No crown, no robe, no pomp, no pride.  

“Be like this,” the Savior said,  

“Not the mighty, but the meek are led.”  

The angels guard the smallest soul,  

Their worth beyond what minds can hold.  

And when one sheep has gone astray,  

The Shepherd walks the rugged way.  

So teach us, Lord, to stoop and see  

The face of heaven in humility.  

To welcome hearts both bruised and small,  

For in Your love, there’s room for all.

Lord Jesus,

You placed a child before Your disciples to teach us the way of Your Kingdom. Help us to embrace humility, to welcome the vulnerable, and to seek the lost. 

Forgive us when we chase greatness by the world’s standards. Renew our hearts to reflect Your mercy, Your tenderness, and Your pursuit of every soul. Let us never despise the little ones, for in them, You dwell. May our lives echo Your love—bold in compassion, gentle in spirit, and faithful in grace. 

Amen.

Pericope:

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM / THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

Matthew 18:1-5 / 10-14

Gospel Acclamation

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Promise with an Oath

In Matthew 14:7, Herod the tetrarch gave a promise with an oath to the daughter of Hero'dias "to give whatever she might ask". As we all very well know, she asked for the head of John the Baptist to be given to her on a platter.

Such horrific request born out of anger to a man who has exposed the truth came into play because of a promise with an oath that has to be fulfilled.

The learning lessons of this story is about lust and anger that could lead to the destruction of life but on the other side, it also pictures the corrupt use of power and authority by a king or a ruler whose promise with an oath is absolute regardless of consequences.

As we all know, Jesus is the King of all Kings and such words by Herod seem to echo what the Lord said in Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you".

Obviously, it would be absurd for us to ask the Lord for the head of those who have angered us or have caused much pain to us but ironically, in the depths of our innermost thoughts, we wanted Him to do so. Out of vengeance, we want God to punish our enemies!

If the Lord knows that what we are asking for will not be good for us, will he still give it out of a promise with an oath?


Lord Jesus, I believed in the words you said that whatever I ask in your name, it will be given. Such promise I claim today in the light of the learning lessons I received from you.

While it is true that those who have caused me great pains have triggered my anger, I still stand by the peace and the love that you have brought into my heart. Please forgive me for any outburst of emotions that have led me to sin as I also ask that you forgive those who had sought me harm. Bring us all back to the true essence of your love so that we may all live in harmony and peace.

I also humbly ask that you give all of my heart's desires so that as you have said, "my joy will be complete and full in every way".

I give you back all the glory and praises, now and forever. Amen.

PUBLISHED:

August 03, 2024, 7:39 AM

August 05, 2023, 10:01 AM

July 31, 2010, 11:12 A.M.

A Child of God

He professes to have 

knowledge of God 

and styles himself 

a child of the LORD. 

(Wisdom 2 : 13)

He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. (Wis 2:14-15)

Today is the anniversary date of this blog I created. I really did not know that the same exact words is biblical as revealed by the Lord. 

I believe dear Lord that having knowledge of you is not just acquired through studying and learning the scriptures but being blessed to have a personal relationship with you. Who am I Lord that you are always mindful of?

Moments of grace such as this is truly amazing for not all are blessed to experience that God is alive and dwells among men. He has confirmed that such an undertaking is not the product of my thoughts but His own work for a purpose that only the Lord knows.

As a child of God, my line of thinking and my ways no longer conforms to the secular world. Most people now see me as someone who is totally different as before because I have been transformed by the Lord to be in His likeness. 

I may not notice everything that the Lord does through me, but I can sense that He is working in me. I may still be experiencing hardships in life, and this is so because I am still focusing on temporal matters.

" See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the Children of God. Yet so we are." -- 1 John 3:1

Like a Child

"Amen, I say to you, 

whoever does not accept 

the Kingdom of God 

like a child 

will not enter it.” 

(Mark 10:15)

Jesus has a special relationship with children because of their innocence and their willingness to trust. Receptivity is key to our relationship with God. We must be willing to receive God’s kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child. Jesus' ministry is inclusive, personal, and compassionate in nature. Everyone, including children, is valuable in the kingdom of God. The hand of the Lord is upon us all blessing us in our faith journey.

In the eyes of a child, pure and bright,

Shines the innocence of heavenly light.

Jesus holds a special bond, so we're told,

With these young hearts, trusting and bold.

Receptivity is key, in faith we must trust,

To our God above, being open is a must.

With humility, trust, and an open heart,

Like a child, in His kingdom, we take part.

Jesus' ministry, a beacon of love,

Inclusive and personal, sent from above.

From the smallest child to the oldest soul,

In His kingdom, each one plays a role.

Valuable are we in the kingdom of God,

Treasured and loved, though we are flawed.

The hand of the Lord, gentle and kind,

Blesses us all, in love we find.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge the special relationship You have with children, reflecting their innocence and their willingness to trust. We are reminded of Your words, calling us to be like little children, receptive and open to Your kingdom.

We pray for the grace to receive Your kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child. Help us to cultivate a childlike faith, full of trust and devoid of skepticism. May we always be receptive to Your word and Your will in our lives.

We thank You for Your inclusive, personal, and compassionate ministry. We are grateful that everyone, including children, is valuable in Your kingdom. Help us to see each other through Your eyes, recognizing the inherent value in each person.

We acknowledge that Your hand is upon us all, blessing us in our faith journey. May we always feel Your presence in our lives, guiding us, protecting us, and blessing us. 

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN

Mark 10:13-16

Gospel | Mark 10:13-16

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. 

13 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. 

Background:

Mark 10:13-16 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Mark. This passage is also repeated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

The passage begins with people bringing their little children to Jesus so that He might touch them and bless them. However, the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. They perhaps thought that Jesus had more important things to do than spend His time laying His hands on little children.

When Jesus saw this, He was much displeased and said unto them, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:14-15). Jesus was angry and offended by the action of His disciples because they were giving the people the false impression that Jesus had no time for insignificant people like little children and His ministry did not include them.

Jesus then took the children up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 10:16). This scene is a primary reason why modern imagery of Jesus commonly has him sitting with children. Many Christians feel that Jesus has a special relationship with children because of their innocence and their willingness to trust.

In summary, Mark 10:13-16 is a powerful passage that underscores the importance of childlike faith, the value of every individual (including children) in the eyes of Jesus, and the openness of the kingdom of God to those who approach it with the trust and dependence of a child.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 10:13-16 offers several important lessons for believers:

Value of Childlike Faith: Jesus emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith. Children are often used as symbols of innocence and trust. Jesus teaches that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it with the same openness and trust as a child.

Inclusivity of Jesus’ Ministry: The disciples initially rebuked the people for bringing children to Jesus, perhaps thinking that His ministry was only for adults or that children were not significant enough. However, Jesus corrected them and showed that His ministry is inclusive. Everyone, including children, is valuable in the kingdom of God.

Importance of Blessings: Jesus took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. This shows the significance of blessings in our faith journey. It also underscores the personal and compassionate nature of Jesus’ ministry.

Receptivity to the Kingdom of God: Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” This teaches us that receptivity is key to our relationship with God. We must be willing to receive God’s kingdom with humility, trust, and openness, just like a child.

In summary, Mark 10:13-16 teaches us about the value of childlike faith, the inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry, the importance of blessings, and the need for receptivity in our spiritual journey. (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 25, 2024, 8:53 AM

Feed the Children

“Let the children be fed first. 

For it is not right 

to take the food of the children 

and throw it to the dogs.” 

(Mark 7:27)

Jesus breaks social and cultural barriers to demonstrate God's inclusive love. God's love is inclusive and extends to all people. His grace and mercy are not limited to any specific group or ethnicity. He is compassionate in nature, always willing to respond to sincere faith, regardless of a person's background.

We should look beyond societal divisions and to extend love and compassion to everyone, just as Jesus did. Let us be persistent in our prayers and trust in God's willingness to help us by approaching God with humility and respect, recognizing His sovereignty and compassion.

"Let the children be fed first," He said with grace, 

"To take their bread and cast it low, wouldn't be the place." 

For in the Master's plan, each heart must know, 

The kindness that His wisdom seeks to bestow.

Yet faith can find its way in humble plea, 

As even crumbs can heal, for all to see. 

A mother’s love, persistent and bright, 

Reveals the breadth of mercy in His sight.

Though boundaries set seem fixed and clear, 

God's love transcends, drawing ever near. 

For in the faith of one, we see the light, 

That breaks all barriers, shining ever bright.

Lord Jesus, 

You remind us of the order of Your blessings, teaching us to understand and embrace Your wisdom. Help us to seek Your grace with humility and faith, knowing that Your love extends to all who believe.

Grant us the patience to wait on Your timing, and the trust to follow Your divine plan. May we find comfort in Your compassionate care, and share Your love with those around us.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN'S FAITH

Mark 7:24-30

Gospel Acclamation

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save ,your souls.

Gospel | Mark 7:24-30

24 Jesus went off to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. 25 Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 28 She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” 29 Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Niño)

 

The gospel of Luke (2:41-52) recounts the story of Jesus as a young boy, when he stayed behind in the temple in Jerusalem while his parents, Mary and Joseph, were returning home. 

Importance of Spiritual Growth: Jesus, even as a child, prioritized his spiritual growth and understanding. He was found in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions. This highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and growing in faith.

Obedience and Respect: Despite his divine nature, Jesus showed obedience and respect to his earthly parents. When Mary and Joseph found him, he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. This teaches us the value of honoring and respecting our parents and authorities.

God's Timing: Jesus' response to his parents, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" indicates his awareness of his divine mission. However, he also understood the importance of waiting for God's timing. This reminds us to be patient and trust in God's plan for our lives.

Parental Responsibility: Mary and Joseph's concern and search for Jesus demonstrate the responsibility of parents to guide and protect their children. It also shows the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.

Wisdom and Understanding: The passage ends by noting that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. This emphasizes the importance of holistic growth—intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social.

These lessons from Luke 2:41-52 encourage us to seek spiritual growth, respect our parents, trust in God's timing, fulfill our responsibilities, and strive for holistic development.

In the temple's sacred halls, a boy so wise, 

With questions deep and answers that surprise. 

In wisdom's light, he grew each passing day, 

In favor with the Lord, he found his way.

With every step, his stature did increase, 

In knowledge and in grace, he found his peace. 

Before the eyes of men, he stood so tall, 

A beacon of God's love, a light for all.

In every word he spoke, in every deed, 

He showed the path of love, the way to lead. 

In wisdom's gentle arms, he found his place, 

A child of God, a vessel of His grace.

So let us follow in his steps so true, 

In wisdom, age, and favor, let us too, 

Advance before our God and fellow man, 

With hearts of love, fulfilling His great plan.

O Holy Child Jesus, 

In your tender years, you grew in wisdom and grace, before the eyes of God and man, you found your place. Grant us the wisdom to seek your light, to grow in faith and love, day and night.

Guide our hearts to follow your way, in every step, in every word we say. Help us to advance in wisdom and age, to live our lives as a holy page. Bless us with favor, as you were blessed, in God's loving arms, may we find our rest. 

O gentle Child, so pure and true, we place our trust and hope in you.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:41-52

Gospel Acclamation

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Gospel | Luke 2:41-52 

41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Abba Father!

In the dance of life, by the Spirit, we're led,

God's children, His heirs, on His path, we tread.

The Spirit whispers, a truth widespread,

We are God's children, by His love, we're fed.

"Abba, Father," our hearts have said,

An intimate call, by His Spirit, we're led.

Like a child to a father, without any dread,

In His loving arms, our fears are shed.

Part of God's family, in His love, we're bred,

This truth should guide us, in His light, we're led.

Our interactions, by His love, are spread,

In His image, our lives are thread.

Guided by the Spirit, in our actions, we're led,

In our decisions, by His wisdom, we're fed.

Though sufferings may come, in His promise, we're wed,

For the glory to come, outshines the dread.

REFLECTION:

"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, 'Abba, Father!'” (Romans 8:15)

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are His children. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children and heirs with Christ. The term “Abba, Father” signifies our intimate, personal relationship with God. We can approach God with the same closeness and trust as a child would approach their loving father. We are part of God’s family, and this should influence how we see ourselves and how we interact with others. Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing it to lead us in our decisions and actions. Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that those led by Your Spirit are Your children, a truth so profound, it brightens our burdens. The Spirit testifies with our spirit, in a chorus unbroken, that we are Your children, a truth forever spoken.

We call You “Abba, Father”, a term so dear, signifying our relationship with You, so clear. With the same trust and closeness, as a child to their father, we approach You, God, there's no one rather.

Part of Your family, we stand tall, this truth influences how we see ourselves, overall. It guides our interactions, it's Your love we install, in our hearts, in our lives, in our actions, we enthrall.

We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in our lives, it's woven, leading us in our decisions, in our actions, it's proven. Though we may face sufferings, though we may be driven, they're not worth comparing with the glory in us, You've given.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

V: Justification and the Christian Life

CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH ADOPTION

Romans 8:14-17

Second Reading | Romans 8:14-17

14 Brothers and sisters: Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children ofGod, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.  

Background:

Romans 8:14-17 is a part of the New Testament in the Bible, written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans. This passage is a profound declaration of the Christian’s absolute security before God.

The passage emphasizes that Christians have God’s Spirit, and those who have God’s Spirit are Christians. It begins and ends with declarations of the Christian’s absolute security before God. There is no condemnation for those in Christ, and nothing will ever be able to separate us from His love. Having believed the gospel, we now live in the Spirit of God. That allows us to call God "Abba Father".

The passage also highlights the concept of being led by the Spirit of God. Those who are led by the Spirit of God are considered the children of God. It speaks to the transformative power of faith in Christ, emphasizing that believers are not slaves but children of God, and as children, they are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

This passage is a reminder of our identity in Christ and the Spirit, and it encourages us to live according to this identity. It’s a powerful message of hope, love, and the promise of glory for those who believe and follow the teachings of Christ. 

Learning Lessons:

Romans 8:14-17 is a rich passage with many lessons for us. Here are a few key takeaways:

Guidance of the Spirit: The passage teaches us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are His children. This means that as believers, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing it to lead us in our decisions and actions.

Identity in Christ: We are reminded that we are not slaves, but children of God. This speaks to our identity in Christ. As believers, we are part of God’s family, and this should influence how we see ourselves and how we interact with others.

Intimate Relationship with God: The term “Abba, Father” signifies an intimate, personal relationship with God. It’s a reminder that we can approach God with the same closeness and trust as a child would approach their loving father.

Assurance of our Status: The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. This provides assurance of our status as children of God and heirs with Christ. It’s a comforting reminder of our secure position in God’s family.

Co-heirs with Christ: As God’s children, we are co-heirs with Christ. This means we share in His inheritance, which includes suffering but also glory. It’s a call to perseverance, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Hope in God: The passage encourages us to place our hope in God, not in worldly things. It’s a reminder to continually seek His love and mercy, trusting in His provision and protection.

These lessons from Romans 8:14-17 can guide us in our faith journey, helping us to live out our identity as children of God, led by His Spirit, and looking forward to the glory that awaits us in Christ. (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 26, 2024, 8:16 AM