Universal Utterings

for August 12, 2025

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08-12-2025 Matthew 18 v0106 Whoever Receives One Child in My Name

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 18 Verses One thru Six

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. 6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

In Matthew 18:1-6, the disciples approach Jesus with a pressing question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Rather than elevating one of them, Jesus calls a child to Him, illustrating a profound truth about the nature of God’s kingdom. He strikes at the heart of their inquiry by saying that unless one is converted and becomes like a little child, they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

This passage emphasizes the qualities we must embody to experience the fullness of God’s kingdom. Children, in their innocence and simplicity, possess a unique humility and trust that many adults often lose. They are open, curious, and full of wonder—qualities that Jesus highlights as essential for anyone desiring to approach God. To become like a child means to embrace humility, recognizing our own limitations and need for grace. It underscores a relinquishing of pride and self-sufficiency, inviting a dependent relationship with God as our loving Father.

Moreover, Jesus highlights the importance of receiving such children in His name. This reinforces the idea that the kingdom welcomes the vulnerable and marginalized, encouraging us to cultivate a heart that values and protects the innocent. The warning that those who cause a little one to stumble face grave consequences serves as a stern reminder of the responsibility we bear towards the faith and well-being of others, particularly the young and impressionable.

Matthew 18:1-6 calls us to approach God with the humility, trust, and openness of a child, embodying the very values that define the spirit of the Kingdom of Heaven. To enter this kingdom, we must shed the burdens of pride and self-reliance, embracing a childlike faith that draws us closer to God and community. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

08-12-2025 Matthew 18 v0106

**Whoever Receives One Child in My Name**

In a world where greatness seeks to rise,

The disciples ponder, gazing at the skies,

“Who’s the greatest?” they ask with prideful hearts,

But Jesus, with wisdom, from the truth imparts.

He calls forth a child, pure and small,

With innocence shining, a cherished call.

“Become like this little one, humble and free,

In the Kingdom of Heaven, they hold the key.”

With eyes bright as stars and trust like the morn,

They teach us of grace, of love newly born.

To enter the realm where the faithful abide,

We shed all our armor, relinquish our pride.

“In My Name, receive them,” He tenderly speaks,

For the heart of the kingdom is found in the meek.

To nurture the fragile, to lift up the low,

Is to follow the path where true love will grow.

So let us be children, with hearts open wide,

Embracing the wonder, with Jesus our guide.

For in simplicity lies the sacred embrace,

In the heart of a child, we find our true place. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 12, 2025 @ 04:34 AM EST

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