The WORD in other words (2009) by – Sr. Mary Pauline Tamayo, SSpS
Wednesday 3rd Week of Lent
In today’s Gospel, Christ reminds as well as challenges us to be faithful in obeying the commandments. The measure of our being in God’s Kingdom is our faithfulness in following His Law of Love. God is love and the very essence of His commandments is love. It is His will that we live our life thinking, speaking, and acting with love, so that we become witnesses to His reign that is of joy and peace, freedom, and justice born of love.
One may say: I am assured of heaven because I pray every day; I go to Mass on Sundays and holy days; I fast and make sacrifices; I donate to the church; I give alms to the poor; I am a member of various church organizations; I do not quarrel with others; I do not cheat anyone; and many more. But are these good works really done out of true love of God and of one’s fellow human being? Let us examine our motivations and ask ourselves: Am I doing this for God? For others? Or for my own? Is this what He wants me to say or do here and now? Is this be for His honor and glory? Is it good for the other person I serve?
I find this part of the Gospel related to Mt 18,1-5 which tells of the disciples asking Jesus: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus in reply places a child before them and says, “The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child.”
Greatness in God’s Kingdom is solidly based on humility and simplicity manifested in complete trust in God as we live a life of selfless service for Him in our fellow creatures. One song, expresses it thus: “If you would be great in God’s Kingdom, then learn to be servant of all!”
