Matthew 18:10 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 18:10 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. The command not to despise the little ones — not to treat them as insignificant — is grounded in the heavenly reality: the little ones have guardian angels who have constant access to the Father's face. The one who despises the little one despises a person whose angels stand before God. The despising of the humble is the despising of those honored by divine attention.

Church Fathers on Matthew 18:10

The Lord had said, under the type of hand, foot, and eye, that all kin and connection which could afford scandal must be cut off. The harshness of this declaration He accordingly tempers with the following precept, saying, 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones;' i. e. As far as you may avoid despising them, but next to your own salvation seek also to heal them. But if ye see that they hold to their sins, it is better that ye be saved, than that ye perish in…
Jerome · 4th century

Or otherwise; As to shun the evil, so to honour the good, has great recompense. Above then He had bid them to cut off the friendships of those that gave offence, here He teaches them to shew honour and service to the saints.
Chrysostom · 4th century

Or otherwise; Because so great evils come of brethren being scandalized, 'Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.'
Gloss (Glossa Ordinaria) · medieval compilation · ap. Anselm

Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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