By Jeff Reedy
Verse(s): “Then His disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to His side. Then He said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes my Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'” — Luke 9:46-48
Reflection: Jesus tells us something profound in this reading today. When you consider that He says that anyone who welcomes a little child welcomes Him, He is telling us that when we defend the lives of little children, we are defending His life. What we do to the least of our little brothers, we do to Him. Whether we are protecting little children from being abused, finding orphans homes, or protecting the lives of the unborn, we are fighting for those who are least among us, for those who cannot speak for themselves. And Jesus says that when we do that, we are fighting for God Himself.
Faith Challenge: Let’s ask God how we can do a better job of fighting for the lives of the least among us, and we can be sure that He will tell us. Let’s also pray for courage to do what He asks!