Mt 18, 1-5 The greatest in the kingdom of heaven

Chapter 18

(Mt 18, 1-5) The greatest in the kingdom of heaven

[1] At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [2] He called a child over, placed it in their midst, [3] and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

(CCC 2785) Second, a humble and trusting heart that enables us "to turn and become like children" (Mt 18:3): for it is to "little children" that the Father is revealed (Cf. Mt 11:25). [The prayer is accomplished] by the contemplation of God alone, and by the warmth of love, through which the soul, molded and directed to love him, speaks very familiarly to God as to its own Father with special devotion (St. John Cassian, Coll. 9, 18 PL 49, 788C). Our Father: at this name love is aroused in us . . . and the confidence of obtaining what we are about to ask.... What would he not give to his children who ask, since he has already granted them the gift of being his children? (St. Augustine, De serm. Dom. in monte 2, 4, 16: PL 34, 1276). (CCC 544) The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts. Jesus is sent to "preach good news to the poor" (Lk 4:18; cf. 7:22); he declares them blessed, for "theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3). To them - the "little ones" the Father is pleased to reveal what remains hidden from the wise and the learned (Cf. Mt 11:25). Jesus shares the life of the poor, from the cradle to the cross; he experiences hunger, thirst and privation (Cf. Mt 21:18; Mk 2:23-26; Jn 4:61; 19:28; Lk 9:58). Jesus identifies himself with the poor of every kind and makes active love toward them the condition for entering his kingdom (Cf. Mt 25:31-46).