Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Theme: “Unless You Become Like Little Children”

“Do Not Be Afraid—The Lord Himself Goes Before You”


Introduction 

A little boy was terrified of the dark. One evening, his mother asked him to fetch the broom from the back porch. The boy peeked out and saw nothing but darkness.
He said, “But Mom, it’s dark out there!”
She reassured him, “Don’t worry, Jesus is everywhere—even in the dark.”
The boy thought for a moment, then shouted toward the porch, “Jesus, if You’re out there, could You hand me the broom?”
Sometimes we believe Jesus is present—but we still hesitate to take the step forward.

Exegesis of the Readings

First Reading – Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Moses is preparing the people of Israel for his departure. He reassures them, “The Lord Himself will go before you… Do not fear or be dismayed.” This is a moment of transition and uncertainty—Joshua will take over leadership, but the real Leader is God Himself. The passage reminds us that our courage does not come from who is with us, but from Who goes before us.

Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 7-9, 12
The psalm is a song of remembrance: God is the Rock—faithful, just, and upright. Israel’s survival has always depended on remembering His saving acts. Forgetfulness leads to fear; remembrance renews faith.

Gospel Acclamation – Matthew 11:29
Jesus invites us to “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” His yoke is not a burden—it is an invitation to walk in step with Him, letting His strength carry the weight.

Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The disciples ask, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus answers by calling a child. In the ancient world, a child had no legal status, no rights—yet Jesus presents this as the model for Kingdom greatness. The second part of the gospel speaks of the lost sheep—God’s relentless search for the one who strays. His greatness is not in power but in humble, pursuing love.

Connection of the Readings

Put together, the readings tell us:

  • Courage comes from knowing that God goes before us (Deut 31).

  • Security comes from remembering His faithfulness (Deut 32).

  • Peace comes from sharing His yoke (Mt 11).

  • True greatness comes from humble trust and care for the little and the lost (Mt 18).

Reflection Questions

  1. Where in my life do I need to hear again: “Do not be afraid, for the Lord Himself will go before you”?

  2. Have I been measuring greatness by influence and power, or by humility and service?

  3. Who in my life is “the lost sheep” that I need to go after with God’s patience and love?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality)

  • Jubilee Year: We are pilgrims of hope, walking toward freedom. Like Israel at the Jordan, we are invited to trust that God leads us into a new chapter, even if the path is unfamiliar.

  • Synod on Synodality: Walking together means slowing down to accompany those who are struggling, listening to those often ignored, and giving space for the “little ones” to be at the center of our community.

Inspiration & Motivation

If you feel unworthy or inadequate, remember: God didn’t choose Joshua because he was perfect—He chose him because he was willing to follow. The greatness of the Kingdom is not in your ability to control everything, but in your willingness to trust God with everything.

Quote

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” – Karl Barth

Final Thoughts

When the road ahead is dark or uncertain, God’s presence goes before us, His mercy surrounds us, and His love refuses to leave even one sheep behind. In the Kingdom of God, the “greatest” are those who walk humbly and bring others home.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, You are my Rock and my Shepherd. Go before me today, so that I may walk without fear. Teach me humility and give me a childlike heart. Let me see the lost as You see them, and help me to bring them home with patience and love. In all things, may my life point to You, the true Leader of my journey. Amen.


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