Readings: Wisdom 2:12,17-20, Ps. 54:3-6,8 James 3:16-4:3, Mark 9:30-37
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
Last Sunday, we read the account of Jesus rebuking Peter for his false theology, making it clear that suffering is part of our lives as Christians. Jesus said: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34).
Unfortunately, while Jesus predicted his death, his disciples argued about who was the greatest. The disciples assumed Jesus was about to take over earthly power from the Romans and already imagined themselves in different political positions.
Jesus was disappointed at their lack of understanding. He didn’t want to disgrace them publicly, so he waited until they went home and asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” In shame, they kept quiet.
As always, there are many lessons to learn in our readings today:
1. The Desire for Greatness is in our Nature as Humans
The shocker in today’s liturgy is that the very men who assisted Jesus in beginning the Christian Faith were not only slow in learning but, despite their closeness to Jesus, remained power-conscious. This shows that the desire for greatness is wired into the very core of our being.
Psychologists agree that one of our deepest human needs is respect (greatness). Whether we like it or not, we all long to be number one; we are all politicians by nature. The difference between Christians and unbelievers is how each chooses to pursue greatness.
In today’s first reading, the Book of Wisdom explains the reasoning of ungodly men (worldly politicians). Their strategy for power is simple – kill and divide; in other words, unbelievers achieve greatness by insults, torture, trials and so on. Does this apply to you? If yes, consider today’s readings as a call to repentance.
2. Service and Humility: Jesus’ Formula for Achieving Greatness
By asking us to become like little children to be great, Jesus is teaching the opposite of what the world considers greatness. Of course, what Jesus recommends is not ordinary wisdom, as St. James said: “Wisdom from above.” While the world wants us to be assertive and lord it over others to be feared by them, Jesus says we should serve others instead and have a childlike humility.
For Jesus, greatness is not having others serve you but becoming a servant to others. “If anyone wishes to be first (great), he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). In Matthew’s version of this passage, Jesus says: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4).
Show me a childlike man, a man who makes people feel greater than himself, and I will show you a great man. Do you desire to be great? Do you want to be respected during your life and even after your death? Practice humility.
Today, the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most respected women. In her Magnificat, she said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth, all generations will call me blessed… He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts; he has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree.” (Luke 1:46-52)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). This is a confirmation that there is truly a connection between being meek (humble, subservient, docile, etc.) and becoming great.
The book of Proverbs says: “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18). If pride goes before a fall, humility goes before an elevation. Jesus taught us: “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12).
Jesus would have criticised his disciples in public, but in His humility, He waited till they got home. A truly humble person will never seek to humiliate others.
3. Pride, Selfishness, Materialism: The Reasons for Unanswered Prayers
Do you sometimes wonder why God does not always answer our prayers? In today’s second reading, St. James explains: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice…. You desire and do not have, so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and wage war. You do not have to because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions.” (James 3:16, 4:1-3)
God will never answer your prayers if what you are asking for is to oppress your brother. God will never answer your prayer if you are motivated by selfish ambition. God will never answer your prayer if you desire to put others down. God will never answer your prayer if you intend to worship what you are asking for. In summary, God will never answer your prayer if you are reasoning like the ungodly men in today’s First Reading.
Are you a Christian who prays for the death of your enemies? Do you sometimes feel frustrated that despite your calls for their death, they seem to be doing well and progressing with their lives? Perhaps it is time to change your prayers. It is time to stop chanting: “Die, die, die… etc.” Prayer is not a weapon of mass destruction but a means of communing with God.
4. True Greatness is Being Calm in the Face of Persecution
By placing ourselves in the service of others (being childlike), the world soon starts to see us as weak, useless, and unwanted. As the book of Sirach puts it: “My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. Set your heart right, be steadfast, and do not be hasty in times of calamity. Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honoured at the end of your life.” (Sirach 2:1-3)
Our first reading today explains that the acts of violence and hatred we face from the worldly-minded are done to test the authenticity of our convictions. We only become victorious when we remain calm and steadfast despite the provocations. Show me a man who will turn the other cheek when slapped, and I will show you a great man.
This reading also reminds us that we all have enemies. Do you know some people cry whenever something good happens to you? Your progress or success is a threat to them. They may pretend to be your friends but are only happy when you are down. What do we do about such people? Surrender them to God, but never quench your light. Continue being a good person, and God, your shepherd, will grant you victory.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us follow your guide to greatness. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Wisdom 2:12,17-20, Ps. 54:3-6,8 James 3:16-4:3, Mark 9:30-37).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu