Lk 9:46-50 A Beautiful Girl Walking In His FootstepsAn argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
I don’t care how old you are, you are a child in God’s eyes. I don’t care how many people you lead, how many books you have written, how many talents you may have; in the eyes of God you are a child.
I love this ancient Gospel passage for today because it is so relevant for our day! Who doesn’t want to be great? Who would not want their opinion to be considered? Who among us, would not want to be recognized for our awesomeness! Take it from me; these temptations can consume us to the bone! But once again, the Lord provides an escape route. First he lets us know what we are thinking. Then, he lets us know what he is thinking. He knows us by heart and shares his heart with us.
Simplicity brings forth elegance. Innocence produces radiance. Humility brings us to our knees! There is nothing more exquisite, more beautiful or lovelier than a faith filled conversation, a warm smile, a generous hand and a pure heart. For many children, these truths require no reminders. For adults, we must be constantly reminded, for we do have a certain amount of power, position and play to lead others astray rather than towards the Ray.
Where do I fit in? Do I waste my time trying to better my position for some vainglory or for some pitiful recognition?
Once again, the converts help us to understand the power of God and the power of the meek and humble of heart.
Recently, a supermodel and TV presenter left the world of glitzy celebrity for Medjugorje. It sent shock waves throughout the pagan world! Their heads went spinning. Their minds kept asking, “How is it possible that a young and beautiful woman, at the top of her game, accustomed to dozens of photographers accompanying her, would ever leave it all behind for silence and obscurity?” Who in their right mind would sign a multi-million dollar contract and terminate it at the last moment? Someone filled with drugs? Maybe. Someone filled with Christ? Always!
Super model Ania went from being photographed on a daily basis to peeling potatoes once a day. She wrote a book, "With Childlike Eyes", about her conversion. She now spends her days in silence, prayer and cleaning bathrooms in a cloistered monastery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her boyfriend had a hard time with it. After all, he is the Italian Prime Minister’s nephew and one of the most eligible bachelors in Italy! They dated for three years and maintained a pure relationship! Men will follow a pure woman to their death. Now we must convince young women of that truth!
Blessed are the meek and humble of heart. Blessed are those who walk in the way of the Lord. They have understood that if you want to be great, then you must be small!
Yes, a pure heart brings forth an outpouring of respect, admiration, power, prestige and playfulness!
Ania models herself after the Lord. She gave up Chanel for Christ. I hope many more young women and men will follow in her footsteps; steps first taken by Christ and his disciples.
