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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Do not despise one of these little ones

Do not despise one of these little ones

Published Oct 2, 2025 12:02 am  |  Updated Oct 1, 2025 04:46 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Ancient kingdoms often had “guardians” placed on the gates of their cities or temples. These took the form of winged beasts, with the head of bearded sphinx.
For believers, angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb 1:14). They watch over the “little ones” and enjoy access to God.
Children and angels have something in common. Angels are not concerned with their status but only with fulfilling the will of God. Children in Jewish society have no legal status or rights; thus they are virtually invisible in that social setting.
In the Gospel reading, the disciples are taken aback when Jesus holds up a little child before them. But he tells them to go against culturally accepted norms that do not give importance to children. He contends that children are well represented in heaven; their guardian angels are the most influential intercessors who behold the face of God himself.
Children are “little” and are welcomed and blessed by Jesus. They behold him who is God’s faithful image in human form. Having no claim to salvation which is God’s gift freely given and received, children are the fitting symbol of those who enter the Kingdom inaugurated by Jesus.
But the humble are exalted by God and are given powerful intercessors before the divine throne.
First Reading • Ex 23:20-23
Thus says the Lord: See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and obey him. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin.
My authority is within him. If you obey him and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.
“My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites; and I will wipe them out.”
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 91
“The Lord has put angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.”
Gospel • Matthew 18:1-5,
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 humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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