The Gospel today gives the first part of the discourse on the community which has as key word “the little ones”. The little ones are not only the children, but also the poor, those who are not important in society and in the community. Jesus asks that these “little ones” should always be the center of the concern of the communities because “The Father in Heaven does not will that one of these little ones should be lost” (Mt 18:14).
Relations between us are set up correctly only through conversion and a humble attitude towards God (v.3). When we find ourselves poor and small before God, then we understand that the question posed by the disciples at the beginning no longer makes sense. "Whoever becomes as small as this child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v.4).The culmination of any true conversion is becoming like children. This does not mean returning to childhood or, worse, to infantilism, but to place oneself before God as children before the father. The Gospel considers this situation is to be an indispensable requirement of humility that allows all growth.
Becoming like a child and perceiving that the Father always calls us to grow is becoming what we must be: little ones, the poor, the blessed (v.3) who expect everything from His grace. This "active humility", which has its origin in God and must be at the basis of the Christian community, is a courageous journey towards the cross like that of Jesus. It consists in taking the place that is really ours.To humble oneself, to become small is not an ascetic ideal of shy hiding or resigned submission, but a concrete service of God and neighbor. If Jesus identifies with the little one, who will want to be great? Small is the one who doesn't count, the one who serves. The first place in the Christian community is reserved for him. Authority must put the little ones first in its consideration and programs. Everyone, if they want to stay in the Christian community, which is the kingdom of God, must become little, putting themselves in an attitude of service.
Therefore, to enter the Christian community, to remain there and even more to affirm oneself, make oneself small. The more we creature empty of ourselves, the more we make ourselves fit to be filled by God.The basis of measurement for Christians is not greatness or power, but humility (v. 4). It is an interior attitude that manifests itself externally and is the secret for the success of community relations. He who is little is a true disciple of Christ and is a true member of the community, because he does not pose obstacles to welcoming and building the kingdom of God.
In the Sermon on the Mount (5,3) Matthew had presented the Church of the poor, here he presents the Church of the little ones, which is a continuation and expansion of the same. Unfortunately, even in the Church of God the Gospel is not always lived faithfully and integrally.St. James reminds us: "My brethren, do not mix your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory with personal favoritism. ... instead you despised the poor! " (2,1-5). The value of the "little ones" before God is underlined by the reference to their angels who always see the face of the Father who is in heaven.
The parable of the lost sheep teaches us to be attentive to the fate of the "little ones", to consider them important and to go in search of them when they are lost. This pastoral care is theologically founded on the style of God the Father. We first experience being found by Christ, welcomed and led to be able to feel loved again and learn to love. Love for the little ones and the excluded should be the axis of the community of those who want to follow Jesus, because it is in this way that the community becomes the proof of the gratuitous love of God, who accepts all.
Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redemption, Angels, Saints make us living cells of Christ Jesus.