Precious in the Eyes of God.

The disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest. Jesus answered by placing a child beside him a person with little status or influence in that society and declaring that whoever welcomed this child in his name welcomed Jesus himself. In God’s kingdom, greatness is not measured by power, recognition, or position. It is revealed in humble service and in the care, we give to those the world may overlook. Jesus’ words invite us to look again at the people around us. A child, an elderly person, someone living with illness, a stranger, or a neighbor who feels forgotten is never insignificant. Each bears a dignity that comes from being loved by God. When we welcome, listen to, and care for someone who cannot repay us, we are welcoming Christ. The first reading speaks of Job’s profound suffering. He loses his children and possessions, and he grieves. His story does not make suffering easy to explain, nor does it ask us to hide our sorrow. The psalm gives us permission to cry out to God: “Incline your ear to me and hear my word.” In times of pain, we can bring God our honest questions and tears, trusting that we are heard and held in his care. Jesus also tells the disciples not to reject someone doing good simply because that person does not belong to their group. His teaching challenges our tendency to draw boundaries around who deserves respect or who can serve God. The Lord’s work can be found beyond the circles we know, and every person deserves to be treated with humility and compassion. Today, let us ask for eyes that recognize the preciousness of every person, especially those who seem least important. May we make room for them, stand beside those who suffer, and serve without seeking praise. In doing so, we follow Jesus, who came not to claim status but to serve.