Jesus insisted we "change and become like little children" (Mt 18:3). We are tempted to disobey this command because we know little children are vulnerable and too often abused. However, Jesus gave His little children some protection by encouraging everyone to welcome them. He said: "Whoever welcomes one such child for My sake welcomes Me" (Mt 18:5). He also provides guardian angels for His little vulnerable ones (Mt 18:10). Furthermore, Jesus the Good Shepherd protects His little ones (Jn 10:11), for it is no part of our "heavenly Father's plan that a single one of these little ones shall ever come to grief" (Mt 18:14).
When we choose to forgive seventy times seven times, fight in a nonviolent way, love our enemies unconditionally, and expose ourselves to the persecution of Calvary, we are not mere doormats. Jesus fights our battles for us (2 Chr 32:8; Ex 14:14). Even if He permits us to suffer and die, He will raise us from the dead. Jesus either protects His little ones or gives them victory over suffering and death. Therefore, because of our faith in Jesus, we should choose to be vulnerable, to turn the other cheek (Mt 5:39). When we stop protecting ourselves, we will find we have a divine Protector.
| PRAYER: | Lord, may I let You fight my battles, even if I seem to be a casualty. |
| PROMISE: | "It is the Lord your God, Who will cross before you; He will destroy these nations before you, that you may supplant them." –Dt 31:3 |
| PRAISE: | At age twelve, St. Maximilian had a vision of the Blessed Virgin, who asked if he was willing to accept either a crown of purity or a crown of martyrdom. He accepted both, lived a pure life, and was martyred in a Nazi concentration camp. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College