Most of us would likely suffer some kind of gag reflex if forced to eat a scroll but Ezekiel describes it as “sweet as honey in [his] mouth” (Ezekiel 2:8). Not long after reading these words, we read the beautiful refrain from today’s Responsorial Psalm: “How sweet to my taste is your promise.” The psalm describes rejoicing in the ways of His decrees, for His law is more precious than gold and silver. For many of us who have struggled with addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, rejoicing was likely not a typical reaction to rules, laws, and directives! We likely chafed at any perceived threat to our personal freedoms.

The Gospel reading from Matthew gives us a different lens through which to view rules and commandments. Jesus calls a young child over and reminds us that we are to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. If you’ve ever been responsible for a child, you understand how vulnerable they are to all kinds of threats to their safety and welfare. We have to instruct them in countless ways: look both ways before crossing a street, never play with matches, don’t get into a car with a stranger, wash your hands and brush your teeth, and so on. As adult caregivers, we pass along these rules because it is in the child’s best interest. So it is with us in comparison to God and the spiritual life. It is precisely the humility of being willing to be parented that Jesus asks of us. As He says, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). By accepting the Lord’s guidance and rules with the humility and innocence of a child, we come to experience freedom from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments and rejoice in the ways of His decrees.

Reflection Questions

• What rules, restrictions, and commandments did you initially balk at? How did you eventually come to see the wisdom in them?
• Do you trust that God has your best interest at heart, even in the midst of your greatest trials? What can you do today to embrace a more child-like trust in God’s love and care for you?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:8—3:4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Reflection by Kay P.