Unless you change…

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

Today’s Gospel passage is a call to action – a call to ‘change’, to ‘become’ and to make yourself as little as a child. In answer to His disciples’ question as to who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus answers that to even enter into the kingdom of heaven we have to change and become like little children and once we make ourselves as little as a child, we will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
On the treatment of children, Jesus says that we are not to despise any child but are to welcome them as in doing so, we welcome Jesus Himself. He gives us a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven when He says that children’s angels are continuously in the presence of God in heaven. What a lovely image! We thank God for the children in our care and vow, with Jesus’ help to lead them to God, for Jesus says not one should be lost.