The Gospel for The memorial of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the church is taken from Luke 9:46, 50th verse. An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, whoever receives this child in my name receives me. And whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you is the one who is the greatest.

Then John said in reply, master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company. Jesus said to him, do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you. It’s clear that the disciples were not unlike the scribes and Pharisees. They were also very much self centered. But Jesus points out something, I think so interesting. He talks about the intention of their hearts.

What do they really, really want? Who are they really? The heart is where God dwells and that’s the source of the wisdom that we need. And so Jesus is giving them this piece of wisdom. Don’t try to become more than you are. Accept your vulnerability as a child.

Trust in me, not in yourself. That’s his longing for them to understand. Take a few moments to reflect upon these thoughts and I will close with a prayer. Sat Sa Sam Satan. Sat closing prayer. Father, awaken in our hearts the center of compassion and understanding.

A way of seeing the world. We tend to see it only with our mind. And now you’re teaching us that we need to turn to you in our hearts and seek your wisdom. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.