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0 SATURDAY HOL Y GUARDIAN ANGELS

GOD SPEAKS HIS WORD GOSPEL REFLECTION

TOTAL OBEDIENCE. If Jesus had favorites, children would definitely be

FIRST READING Job 42:1-3.5-6.12-17
'Then Job answered the LORDand said: 21know that you can
do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered.
31 have dealt with great things that I do not understand;
things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. sI had
heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen
you. 6Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust
and ashes. 12Thus the LORD blessed the latter days of Job
more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand
sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a
thousand she-asses. 13Andhe had seven sons and three daughters, l40f whom
he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch.
lsIn all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and
their father gave them an inheritance among their brethren. 16Afterthis, Job
lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren,
and even his great-grandchildren. '"'Then Job died, old and full of years.
at the top of His list.
When Jesus called the child to come over to Him, for sure His eyes were full
of adoration as He placed 'it' in their midst. He may have lovingly placed the
child on His lap and given him a quick hug to persuade a grin. Then, as His
eyes moved from the boy to his disciples, He reminded them to be dependent
on God, as this child was to his parents. Afterwards, He would have ruffled the
child's hair a little and with a tender smile see him off as he runs back to his
waiting parents. He may have even made eye contact with the child's parents
and gave them a nod of approval as they welcomed back their trusting child
into their arms.
Today's Gospel is not about the innocence of children, it is about being child-
like in our dependence and trust in God. There is only one thing that God
wants of us; it is total obedience to Him

PSALM Psalm 119:66.71.75.91.125.130 Are we obedient children of God?

66Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I
trust. 71Itwas good for me to be afflicted, in order to learn
your laws. 751know, LORD,that your edicts are just; though
you afflict me, you are faithful. 91Byyour edicts they stand PERSONAL RESPONSE
firm to this day, for all things are your servants. 1251am
your servant; give me discernment that I may know your
decrees. 130Therevelation of your words sheds light, gives
understanding to the simple.

GOSPEL Matthew 18:1-5.10

'At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2He called a child
over, placed it in their midst, 3and said, "Amen, I say to you,
unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter
the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this
child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. sAnd whoever
receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
IO"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I
say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the
face of my heavenly Father.

Vestment Co/or: White