Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Matthew 18:10–14
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” (NRSV)

Reflection
I had no idea that Jesus used the parable of the lost sheep twice in his ministry—once to give an example of the expansive love of God, and here to end the disciples’ ongoing argument of who is the greatest. “Humble yourselves like a child,” says Jesus. He then goes on to explain just how important children are in the eyes of God. “Their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” In other words, the angels ensure a direct line of sight between the children and God.

If I were asked to describe God’s ability to love God’s children individually, I would write “The Parable of the Children’s Choir Singing at Fourth Presbyterian Church.” As the director, I have the best seat in the sanctuary when the choir sings—right in front of them. Yes, it is somewhat important for the children and me to see each other, but woe be unto the choir director who disrupts the sightline between a child and the parent in the pew! It is absolutely required for both parties involved. After the children walk into the sanctuary, it usually takes about 10 seconds for the child to locate their parent, lock in the eye contact (or wave feverishly to ensure it), then resume looking at the choir director. The “I-see-you-see-me” connection is vital to the basic security of the child.

I crave this connection with God. I am learning to strengthen it daily through prayer and Bible study. It is through this connection that I can remember that “being the greatest” is not as important as being God’s.

Prayer
Dear God, I see you see me. Amen.

Written by Katy Sinclair, Associate Director of Music for Children and Youth

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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