Memorial of Saint Claire, Virgin

“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.”

In the eyes of our Heavenly Father, the greatest of us are like children. We trust in Him and depend upon Him for everything. When we are doubtful, worried, or hurt, we turn to Him for guidance, consolation, and healing. We are humble before Him and recognize His dominion over our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. When we act selfishly, we are punished, but when we do well, we are rewarded. Our smallest victories and virtues are magnified by God love for us. Our failings and sins are quickly forgotten when we say we are sorry and do penance. By being child-like, we reaffirm our dependence upon our Heavenly Father and constantly seek His approval for our every thought, word, and work.

Do we act in a child-like or selfish manner in our dealings with God and His children? Do we seek our Heavenly Father’s guidance, consolation, and healing? Do we recognize our total dependence upon God for all that we have been, are, and will be?

O Lord, we seek to become like children and enter your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.