Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Lectionary: 414

Do Not Be Afraid to Be Small

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the path in front of you—like the journey is too long, the responsibility too heavy, or the unknown too intimidating? Today’s readings invite us to surrender those fears and return to a place of childlike trust. In the face of daunting transitions, leadership changes, or spiritual uncertainties, God gently reminds us: “It is the Lord who goes before you… he will never fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8). The way forward is not found in power or control, but in humility and the faith of a child.

The context of Deuteronomy 31 is rich with emotion. Moses, aged and nearing death, prepares to hand leadership over to Joshua as the Israelites stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. For forty years, they’ve wandered—learning, failing, and growing under Moses’ guidance. Now they must step into a future that feels uncertain. But Moses doesn’t leave them with strategies or political advice. He leaves them with a promise: God Himself will go before them. That same God is praised in Deuteronomy 32, a poetic reminder of His justice, faithfulness, and providential care for His people across generations. In this covenantal memory, Israel is called to trust—not because they are mighty, but because God is.

Jesus continues this theme of trusting surrender in The Gospel of Matthew 18, responding to the disciples’ question about greatness with a shocking image: a little child. In a world that esteemed status, power, and maturity, Jesus upends the norm and says the greatest are those who humble themselves and depend on the Father as children do. This isn’t immaturity—it’s radical faith. When we link the humility of the child to the courage of Joshua, we see that true strength isn’t bravado—it’s obedience to the One who leads. Do you trust God enough to let go of control? Are you willing to be small so He can be great through you?

First Reading – Deuteronomy 31:1–8

The Courage to Let Go

As Moses prepares to take his final steps in leadership, the people of Israel are about to enter the Promised Land—without the only leader they’ve ever known. This moment in Deuteronomy is sacred and transitional. Moses is 120 years old and has faithfully led Israel through the desert, through trials, and through rebellion. But now he must step aside and entrust the next chapter to Joshua and, more importantly, to the Lord. These verses form a kind of spiritual commissioning—words soaked in both farewell and divine reassurance. For the Israelites, standing on the threshold of God’s promise meant facing their deepest fears. Their entry into Canaan would not be by Moses’ hand, but by God’s power through Joshua. It’s in this liminal moment that Moses urges courage not rooted in human strength, but in unwavering trust in the Lord. Today’s theme—childlike trust in God’s faithful leadership—is lived out here not only by Joshua, but by an entire people invited to walk forward in faith.

Deuteronomy 31:1-8
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

The Lord’s Leadership. ¹ When Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel, ² he said to them, I am now one hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to go out and come in; besides, the Lord has said to me, Do not cross this Jordan. ³ It is the Lord, your God, who will cross before you; he will destroy these nations before you, that you may dispossess them. (It is Joshua who will cross before you, as the Lord promised.) ⁴ The Lord will deal with them just as he dealt with Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and with their country, when he destroyed them. ⁵ When, therefore, the Lord delivers them up to you, you shall deal with them according to the whole commandment which I have given you. ⁶ Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.

Call of Joshua. ⁷ Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel said to him, “Be strong and steadfast, for you shall bring this people into the land which the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them; it is you who will give them possession of it. ⁸ It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1 – “When Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel”
This opening sets the stage for Moses’ final address. He has just delivered the blessings and curses of the covenant, and now he prepares the people for a leadership handoff. This verse emphasizes that these are not private words but a public commission before all of Israel—an act of transparency and accountability in God’s presence.

Verse 2 – “He said to them, I am now one hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to go out and come in; besides, the Lord has said to me, Do not cross this Jordan.”
Moses acknowledges his physical limitations, but more importantly, he submits to God’s decision that he will not enter the Promised Land. There’s no bitterness here—just obedience. He models detachment, trusting God’s will even when it means personal loss. This echoes the spiritual poverty Jesus praises in Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Verse 3 – “It is the Lord, your God, who will cross before you; he will destroy these nations before you, that you may dispossess them. (It is Joshua who will cross before you, as the Lord promised.)”
Moses clarifies that the real leader is not Joshua—but God Himself. Joshua is only the instrument. This affirms divine primacy: battles are won not by swords or strategy, but by the Lord’s presence and power. In a world filled with self-sufficiency, this verse reminds us to let God lead.

Verse 4 – “The Lord will deal with them just as he dealt with Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and with their country, when he destroyed them.”
God’s faithfulness in the past is the assurance for the future. Sihon and Og were powerful kings, yet God delivered them into Israel’s hands. This is biblical memory in action: remembering God’s deeds builds trust for what’s ahead. As Psalm 77:12 says: “I will recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, recall your wonders of old.”

Verse 5 – “When, therefore, the Lord delivers them up to you, you shall deal with them according to the whole commandment which I have given you.”
Victory does not absolve them from obedience. Even in triumph, Israel must follow the commandments. This aligns with CCC 2058, which reminds us that “The Commandments… express the implications of belonging to God through the establishment of the covenant.” God’s deliverance demands fidelity.

Verse 6 – “Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.”
This verse is the emotional center of the passage. Moses repeats it to Joshua later, but here it’s for all of Israel. The Hebrew verbs imply a call to interior strength—courage that flows from God’s presence. These words echo throughout salvation history and are fulfilled in Jesus, who says in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Verse 7 – “Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel said to him, ‘Be strong and steadfast, for you shall bring this people into the land which the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them; it is you who will give them possession of it.’”
The public commissioning of Joshua is both practical and spiritual. It signals continuity and calls for communal trust. Joshua’s strength will come not from personal greatness but from his faithfulness. His task is not to control outcomes, but to obey God’s direction. He is to lead like a servant.

Verse 8 – “It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”
This powerful assurance, repeated from verse 6, seals the transition. God precedes, accompanies, and remains. He is the leader and companion. This echoes CCC 2781, which proclaims: “We can invoke God as ‘Father’ because the Son of God made man has revealed him to us.” We are never alone on the journey.

Teachings

In the heart of this passage is a teaching about divine accompaniment and the sacredness of leadership. CCC 2577 teaches: “Moses intercedes for his people… he does so in a mediation prefiguring the unique mediation of the one mediator, Christ Jesus.” Moses, though he cannot enter the land, becomes a figure of Christ—interceding, preparing the way, and stepping aside so God’s will may unfold. Joshua, whose name in Hebrew (Yehoshua) means “The Lord saves,” prefigures Jesus (Yeshua), who would lead all people into the eternal Promised Land. As St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Joshua led Israel over the Jordan; Christ leads the faithful through the waters of baptism.”

This passage is also a powerful meditation on God’s promise to remain present with His people, even in seasons of transition or uncertainty. As CCC 301 states: “With creation, God does not abandon his creatures to themselves. He not only gives them being and existence, but also… upholds and sustains them.” This is the foundation for our courage—not human confidence, but divine constancy.

Reflection

This reading challenges us to release our need for control and embrace the unknown with faith. Like Joshua and the Israelites, we all face moments when we must step into new territory—relationships, vocations, decisions—without clear certainty. Yet God’s promise remains: “He will never fail you or forsake you.” That assurance is not abstract; it is incarnate in Christ and active through the Holy Spirit. Where in your life is God calling you to be strong and steadfast? What fears hold you back from letting Him lead? Perhaps today is the day to take one small, childlike step forward—trusting that God goes before you.

Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32:3–4, 7–9, 12

He Alone Guides You

The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32 is one of the oldest and most powerful hymns in the Old Testament. It is both a poetic and prophetic reflection given by Moses near the end of his life, meant to be remembered and repeated by Israel across generations. This portion of the psalm captures Israel’s relationship with God as His “portion,” and His role as their sole and faithful guide. Rooted in covenantal memory, the song reminds God’s people who He is—faithful, just, and upright—and who they are—His chosen share, His inheritance. Today’s theme of childlike trust in God’s faithful leadership is echoed in every line. As Moses prepares Israel to follow Joshua and enter the land, the psalm insists that their true leader remains the Lord Himself, the one who never abandons, deceives, or shares His glory with another.

Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 7-9, 12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

³ For I will proclaim the name of the Lord,
    praise the greatness of our God!
⁴ The Rock—how faultless are his deeds,
    how right all his ways!
A faithful God, without deceit,
    just and upright is he!

⁷ Remember the days of old,
    consider the years of generations past.
Ask your father, he will inform you,
    your elders, they will tell you:
⁸ When the Most High allotted each nation its heritage,
    when he separated out human beings,
He set up the boundaries of the peoples
    after the number of the divine beings;
⁹ But the Lord’s portion was his people;
    his allotted share was Jacob.

¹² The Lord alone guided them,
    no foreign god was with them.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 3 – “For I will proclaim the name of the Lord, praise the greatness of our God!”
This opening line declares the purpose of the psalm: worship and proclamation. The Hebrew concept of “name” (shem) signifies not just identity but presence and authority. To proclaim God’s name is to invoke His covenantal presence among the people. It echoes the call in Psalm 113:3: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised.” It is the posture of a child glorifying the Father.

Verse 4 – “The Rock—how faultless are his deeds, how right all his ways! A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he!”
Here, God is called “The Rock,” a title that speaks of stability, refuge, and strength. In a world where kings fail and idols lie, God is described as blameless and utterly trustworthy. This is a God we can lean on entirely. CCC 2086 reminds us: “The first commandment calls us to put our faith in God alone… to believe in him and to bear witness to him.” The Rock is not only unshakable; He is morally perfect—worthy of our deepest trust.

Verse 7 – “Remember the days of old, consider the years of generations past. Ask your father, he will inform you, your elders, they will tell you.”
This is a summons to communal memory. Remembering is not nostalgia—it is an act of covenantal fidelity. Israel is called to look back, consult the wisdom of elders, and be formed by God’s saving actions. This connects with CCC 130, which teaches: “The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture. Its books are divinely inspired and retain a permanent value.” The psalm invites the faithful to be children who listen to their elders and honor the wisdom of the past.

Verse 8 – “When the Most High allotted each nation its heritage, when he separated out human beings, He set up the boundaries of the peoples after the number of the divine beings.”
This verse recalls the moment in Genesis when God gave nations their inheritance and space. But what sets Israel apart is not geography or military might, but their divine selection. God governs history, not impersonally, but personally—assigning destinies. This reflects His intimate involvement in the lives of nations and individuals alike.

Verse 9 – “But the Lord’s portion was his people; his allotted share was Jacob.”
Unlike the other nations, Israel belongs to the Lord in a unique, covenantal way. They are His “portion,” His “share.” This beautiful line is not about possession in a cold sense but about belovedness. It echoes Exodus 19:5: “You shall be my treasured possession among all peoples.” God has chosen Israel not because they are powerful, but because He loves them (Deuteronomy 7:7–8).

Verse 12 – “The Lord alone guided them, no foreign god was with them.”
The psalm closes this section with a powerful declaration of monotheism. Israel’s victories, identity, and guidance come from God alone. There are no rivals. This is essential to Israel’s faith and forms the foundation of the first commandment. As CCC 2112 states: “The first commandment condemns polytheism. It requires man neither to believe in, nor to venerate, other divinities than the one true God.” True childlike trust is undivided—it follows no other voice.

Teachings

This psalm is a theological masterpiece in miniature. It celebrates the attributes of God—His faithfulness, justice, and constancy—and reminds Israel of their unique place in salvation history. It affirms that God, not man, is the true leader of His people. The psalm also models the proper response of the human heart: praise, remembrance, humility, and trust. The Fathers of the Church frequently interpreted this “Rock” as Christ Himself. St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:4: “For they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.” Jesus is the Rock of the New Covenant, the one who perfectly reveals the Father and guides us without fail.

The Catechism emphasizes memory as a form of faith. CCC 268 states: “Of all the expressions of prayer in the life of faith, blessing is the one that acknowledges most immediately that God is God.” This psalm blesses God by recounting His deeds and trusting in His character. In this way, it becomes a school of prayer, forming hearts to lean on God with reverent confidence.

Reflection

This psalm is a gentle call to remember—and in remembering, to trust. When we forget who God is, we become anxious and disoriented. But when we remember His faithfulness, we can say with peace: “The Lord alone guided them.” Are you trying to follow multiple “gods” in your life—approval, success, control? Or do you trust the One who called you His portion? Like a child learning to walk by keeping their eyes fixed on their parent, we are invited today to fix our gaze on the Rock who never moves. Let us remember the deeds of the Lord, listen to the wisdom of our elders, and walk forward with a heart that trusts, sings, and obeys.

Holy Gospel – Matthew 18:1–5, 10, 12–14

Heaven’s Greatest

In a world that measures greatness by status, strength, and influence, Jesus presents a radical new vision: greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the child—the humble, the unseen, the dependent. The disciples’ question about hierarchy gives Jesus the opportunity not only to redefine greatness, but to reveal the very heart of the Father. This extended passage from Matthew 18 unfolds in three beautiful movements: childlike humility, angelic dignity, and the relentless love of the Good Shepherd. In Jewish society of the time, children were considered insignificant in legal and religious affairs—voiceless and powerless. Yet Jesus places them at the center of His teaching, insisting that unless we become like them, we cannot enter the Kingdom. Today’s Gospel draws our attention to the most vulnerable—the children, the little ones, the straying sheep—and reveals that the Father’s eyes are never turned away from them. It echoes today’s central theme: childlike trust in God’s faithful leadership, for the Lord seeks, guards, and rejoices over the littlest among us.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

The Greatest in the Kingdom. ¹ At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² He called a child over, placed it in their midst, ³ and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

¹⁰ “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.

¹² What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? ¹³ And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. ¹⁴ In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1 – “At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’”
This question reveals the disciples’ ongoing struggle with ambition. Despite witnessing Jesus’ humility and servant leadership, they are still shaped by worldly ideas of rank and status. Jesus does not shame them for asking—but He does invite them into a deeper, more countercultural understanding of what “greatness” truly means.

Verse 2 – “He called a child over, placed it in their midst,”
This action is shocking. In ancient Palestine, a child had no legal or social significance. To place a child in the center was to exalt the one whom society overlooked. Jesus is not just answering a question—He’s creating a living parable. The child becomes the embodiment of the Kingdom’s values: simplicity, humility, and trust.

Verse 3 – “and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
Jesus calls not for innocence but for conversion—“unless you turn.” Entry into the Kingdom requires a radical shift from self-reliance to childlike dependence on God. This echoes CCC 526: “To become a child in relation to God is the condition for entering the kingdom.” Without this inner turning, the door to the Kingdom remains closed.

Verse 4 – “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Greatness, in the eyes of God, is not about rising above others but lowering oneself in love. This reflects the “kenosis” of Christ in Philippians 2:7, where He “emptied himself.” In the child’s humility, Jesus sees the image of His own Incarnation—the eternal Son who became small.

Verse 5 – “And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
To welcome the lowly is to welcome Christ Himself. This aligns with Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” True discipleship is not measured in theology alone, but in the way we treat those who seem insignificant.

Verse 10 – “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.”
This verse reveals the dignity of the “little ones” through the theology of angels. The Church teaches that each person has a guardian angel (see CCC 336), and here Jesus affirms that those assigned to protect the lowly stand in the very presence of God. To disregard the vulnerable is to disrespect heaven’s gaze.

Verse 12 – “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?”
Jesus shifts to a pastoral image—a shepherd seeking the lost. This recalls God’s consistent role throughout Scripture as the One who seeks the straying (see Ezekiel 34). The question implies an obvious answer: of course a good shepherd goes after the one. The Father’s love is never satisfied until all are gathered.

Verse 13 – “And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”
The joy of finding the lost reveals the tender heart of God. This is not mathematical logic—it is the overflow of mercy. In heaven’s economy, one wandering soul returning home is cause for celebration. The shepherd’s joy reflects the Father’s.

Verse 14 – “In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
This final verse seals the teaching with divine will. God does not merely tolerate the little ones—He wills their salvation. The Church affirms this in CCC 605: “Jesus died for all men without exception. There is not, never has been, and never will be a single human being for whom Christ did not suffer.” The Father’s heart is set on saving each and every child, especially the one who feels forgotten.

Teachings

This Gospel is a powerful catechesis on the nature of the Kingdom of God. It teaches that humility is the foundation of discipleship, that children are not peripheral but central to God’s design, and that no one is too small, weak, or lost to be sought by the Shepherd. CCC 2846 reminds us: “We must entrust ourselves to him to lead us. Our trust is tested in the fight of prayer.” That kind of trust—childlike and absolute—is what the Kingdom is built on.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church, lived this Gospel with profound simplicity. She wrote, “What pleases the good God in my little soul is to see me love my littleness and my poverty… It is the blind hope I have in His mercy.” Her “Little Way” is not a shortcut—it is the very road Jesus maps out in today’s Gospel: humility, trust, and merciful love.

Reflection

Jesus doesn’t just love the little ones—He becomes one. And He asks us to do the same. Have you allowed yourself to become small enough to be held by the Father? Do you see the people around you—the forgotten, the awkward, the struggling—as reflections of Christ? This Gospel calls us to conversion of heart, not just sympathy for the vulnerable, but solidarity with them. Today, ask the Lord for the grace to live as one of His “little ones”—humble, trusting, and ready to be led. And if you feel lost today, take heart: the Shepherd is already searching for you. When He finds you, He will rejoice.

Let the Child Lead You

Today’s readings speak to a heart longing for stability, courage, and love. From Moses’ farewell in Deuteronomy 31 to the song of trust in Deuteronomy 32, and finally to Jesus’ tender teaching in Matthew 18, we are invited to embrace a bold yet gentle truth: the way forward is not through power, but through surrender. “Be strong and steadfast… It is the Lord who goes before you” (Deuteronomy 31:7–8). “The Lord alone guided them” (Deuteronomy 32:12). “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). In these words we find a divine pattern—God leads, we follow; God speaks, we listen; God acts, we trust.

In moments of transition, fear, or spiritual restlessness, we often long for control, clarity, or strength. But the Word of God offers something better: presence. God goes before us. He is faithful. And He desires that we draw close not with adult pride, but with childlike hearts. To be a child in the Kingdom is not to be weak—it is to be rooted in the unshakable strength of the Father. To be little is to be free enough to receive love, guidance, and grace without resistance.

What would happen if you stopped trying to be “the greatest” and started trusting like the least? Where is God asking you to let go, to remember, and to follow with humility? Today, ask the Lord to make you small—small enough to fit in His arms, to hear His voice, and to be led by His Spirit. Greatness begins when we kneel low, take the hand of the Father, and walk forward with faith. Let the child lead you—and you may just find yourself at the very heart of the Kingdom.

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear how today’s readings touched your heart. What did the Holy Spirit stir within you? Where did you feel challenged, comforted, or inspired? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your reflection could be a light for someone else on the journey.

Reflection Questions:

First Reading – Deuteronomy 31:1–8:
Where in your life is God calling you to be strong and steadfast? Are there areas you need to release control and trust His leadership more fully?

Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32:3–4, 7–9, 12:
How can remembering God’s past faithfulness help you trust Him more today? What practical steps can you take to build a habit of spiritual remembrance?

Holy Gospel – Matthew 18:1–5, 10, 12–14:
What does becoming “like a child” look like in your relationship with God? Who are the “little ones” in your life that Christ may be calling you to receive or seek out with love?

We pray that these readings draw you closer to the heart of the Father, who delights in guiding His children with strength, faithfulness, and love. As you step into today, may you walk humbly, live boldly, and do everything with the mercy and love Jesus taught us.

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