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Last week's gospel referenced the "little ones" as Jesus' disciples, and this week Jesus uses "little ones" again only this time declaring them the true wise ones because they lay no claim on earthly wisdom. Those who follow Jesus, then, while small and insignificant by the world's standards are the true imitators of Jesus in being the least as Jesus declares that he too is "meek and humble of heart" and invites all those who wish to share in this to follow him.
How often have we stood in the shadow of some great edifice that seems to be designed to make the visitor feel small and insignificant? Federal buildings often have this quality, and unfortunately, so do many churches. Of course, the reason given by church architects is to allow the glory of God to overwhelm us with His grandeur. It makes people small rather than welcoming the small to feel valued. The Church Jesus built isn't overwhelming because it makes visitors feel small; it's overwhelming because it makes the "little ones" count.
God is better represented as the God of the Cross rather than the God of the lightning bolt. The Cross wins obedience not through the power of compulsion but through the compelling power of love. The Good News of Christ is that the God we worship is more interested in being a "little one" among us than threatening us with His cosmic power.
Truly the good news we share is that though the world may want obedience through coercion and power, the God we worship desires obedience by accepting the loving embrace of a joyful father welcoming home a prodigal son.
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