Homily for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

People's questions often reveal their priorities. In today's Gospel passage, the disciples asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question indicates their interest in status and rank.

In response, Jesus called a child over and placed the child in their midst. He told them that they must become like that child merely to enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone strive to be the greatest in it. 

Jesus instructed His disciples to adopt a child-like attitude, characterized by trust in a loving parent. This trust depends on God for everything and does not seek status or rank. 

True greatness, according to Jesus, belongs to those who rely on God as children rely on adults for their well-being. His response to the disciples' question echoes the first beatitude He mentioned earlier in Matthew's Gospel: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."