At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!
“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” Matthew 18:1-14
Dear Mama,
I cannot get enough of this child. In him I feel that heaven has come down to earth as I hold him sleeping in my arms. His breath is sweet, on my neck, as he relaxes after feeding. Joseph thinks I hold him too much and I should put him down, but I can hardly let go, I love him so. I know that God has given us this little one for a much bigger purpose, but right now, in this humble, austere place, I can adore him and have him all to myself. I am sure every mother feels that her child is perfect and a gift from God. He is no more than any other baby, and yet he is. And he is here with us, in these meager circumstances, as we wait to come home again.
Joseph has been making sure I rest and eat. The wise women come several times daily, to check on me, they say. Really, they love holding my little boy, giving me a cursory check and then running to him. It is comical! Joseph has gone off to find out where he needs to register. Yesterday, he went to an office nearby and they sent him on a run around. He never did get to the right place. He is trying again today. The wise women bring us all sorts of food, as if we were royalty or something! They are really taking good care and seem thrilled to have a baby nearby.
I wish I could send you a good picture of him. My drawing skills are no good, but I will ask around and see if there is someone who draw a picture of my little son, your grandson!
love always,
Mary
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