The Greatness of Becoming Small

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the message of humility and childlikeness in Christ’s teaching about entering the kingdom of heaven. He explains the difference between striving to be the best versus doing one’s best for God’s glory and addresses the hidden dangers of comparison and pride. Fr. Matthias highlights the qualities of children—innocence, trust, dependence, simplicity, and receptiveness to guidance—as essential traits for spiritual life. He emphasizes the call for continual conversion and transformation toward humility and self-denial. Fr. Matthias also discusses the importance of receiving and protecting children, stressing that welcoming a child is like welcoming Christ. He warns against causing children to stumble and stresses parental responsibility to shield them from harmful influences and to model repentance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for embracing humility to become great in God’s kingdom.