August 13, 2024 (from the archives)

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

In this beautiful passage, Jesus speaks about the little children in answer to the disciples’ question about who is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.  First, he teaches them that to enter the Kingdom of heaven, they must become humble like a child.  Humble means free of arrogance and free of self-importance.  It means having an open mind and open heart.  This is the state of mind and heart that is conducive to entering the Kingdom of heaven in the moment.  (Similarly, Suzuki-Roshi wrote a book called Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.  The beginner’s mind is open like a child’s and does not have so many preconceptions or think it knows everything already.)

Second, Jesus teaches about not despising or looking down on the little ones, the little children.  As adults, we have lived longer and gained experience.  We have much to teach the children, but it does not mean that we are more important.  Jesus teaches us otherwise – in fact, the angels of the children are always looking at the face of our heavenly Father, he says.  How can this be, when no one has ever seen God, as written elsewhere?  In fact, that openness is the way to experience the face of God. Amen.

Finally, Jesus teaches that God will keep seeking for us, no matter how small or lowly we may be, as long as needed, just like the shepherd who goes in search of his lost sheep, leaving the other ninety-nine on the hillside.  And we should be the same, regarding each and every human being as important to God and important to us. This too is the Shield of Peace – to see and acknowledge and notice and care for each person and in fact for all of creation with love, with God’s love.  Amen.