Homily for the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

The questions people ask often uncover their values, their priorities, and what they think is most important in life. When His disciples asked Jesus the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” [Matthew 18:1] it shows their interest in personal status and reputation. In His reply, Jesus both did something and said something. First, He placed the child in front of them and said they needed to become like children just to enter the kingdom of heaven, never mind become the greatest in the kingdom. 

Jesus’ disciples are to become child-like not childish. There’s an important difference. They will be child-like in the sense of totally trusting in a loving Father, and demanding nothing else, including status and standing. Greatness comes to those who make themselves as dependent on God as children are dependent on adults for their care and well-being. Jesus’ answer to His disciples’ question is like a commentary on the first beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” +