Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

CHRIST IS RISEN!

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Mt 18:1-6).

Illustration: Minitature from a sixth century Gospel, Monastery of Dionysiou, Mouth Athos.

1 comment:

Brother Juniper said...

Father,

I find that this passage is very beautiful and apt. I have been thinking about the concept of "childlikeness" a great deal recently and this passage was what I needed to read.

In addition, tradition holds that the young child that Our Lord place in front of the Apostles was St. Ignatius of Antioch.

Thanks again and Christ is Risen!