First Reading

Reading from the Book of Exodus

Exodus 23, 20-23

Thus says the Lord: «»I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Respect him and obey him. Do not rebel against him, for he bears my name, and he will not forgive your rebellion. If you faithfully obey him and do all that I tell you, your enemies will be my enemies, and your adversaries, my adversaries. My angel will go before you»».

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew

Matthew 18, 1-5. 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and asked, «»Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?»»

Jesus called a child over, placed him in their midst, and said, «»Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father».