The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, religious, martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Deuteronomy 32:3-4,7-9,12
Matthew 18:1-5, 10,12-14

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

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. Matthew 18:1-5

What is it to be humble like a child? Well, I'm blessed with two grandsons, one just two years old and the other 18 months old. They broadcast what it is like effortlessly. Here is just a bit of what I have learned:

An ant can be the source of tremendous fascination.
Trees make the best mobiles on a warm, breezy day.
God loves a dirty face, especially if it is caused by watermelon juice.
Holding hands during grace is mandatory.
So is a loud AMEN! at the end.
God gave us so many wonderful colors to fill our eyes.
Children naturally know they can go to their fathers for:
love, comfort and a helping hand.

They also know that fathers can:
scold, but all is soon forgotten
and a father’s love goes on without end.
They also trust that their fathers will deliver.
Rain was meant to be enjoyed in all its wetness,
and not watched from inside the house.
Shoes separate us from the earth He created for us.
Waking up each morning with a big stretch,
means it is going to be a great, new day.
God made fire, hot -- and ice cold to warn us and protect us.
There is no end to the wonders of creation to be found in an open field.

And the list goes on from there. Being childlike is realizing the true wonders of God’s creation. It is knowing that we have an all forgiving, all loving, all caring and an infinite provider in the Father. My grandsons in two short years have taught me so many new things about God, most of it without saying a word. These truly are the greatest in the Kingdom.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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