Homily for the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

The letter to the Hebrews says, "Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels." This profound message reminds us that there can be more to those we encounter than we recognize, possibly even angels in disguise. Jesus makes a similar point in today's Gospel when He says, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."

In Jesus' time, children had no social standing or status. Yet, Jesus announces to His disciples that when welcoming the least, like little children, they welcome Him. He comes to them in and through those society views as lowly and least, calling for a humility that surpasses social standards and expectations.

This is an essential lesson for the disciples who have just been squabbling over which of them was the greatest. Not only do we welcome Jesus when we welcome a child, but unless we become childlike - not to be confused with childish - we will never enter the kingdom of God. This should encourage us to adopt a childlike mindset of innocence, trust, and dependence on God.