Readings: Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11, Ps. 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40, Mark 9:30-37
“And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’” (Mark 9:35)
- A few days ago, we read that Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan”, for attempting to discourage Him from the Way of the Cross. Jesus said: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34). This message is echoed in today’s first reading. “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing (temptation). Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity.” (Sirach 2:1-2).
- It will not always be a smooth ride; there will be moments of calamity. St. Paul says: “The kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17). Do not be disappointed when the journey becomes tough. It may seem God is sleeping, but He knows exactly what he is doing. To prepare their minds for a time of calamity, Jesus, in today’s Gospel passage, said to his disciples: “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” (Mark 9:31).
- Unfortunately, Jesus' words fell on deaf ears. Mark writes: “But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.” (Mark 9:32). Instead of listening to Jesus, his disciples argued among themselves about who was the greatest. Our greatest problem is our longing to exult ourselves – the desire to be like God. This was the promise that made Adam and Eve eat the forbidden tree. Watch out for any signs of pride in you. Kill your pride before it kills you. You need not be better than anyone else to feel good about yourself.
- Not wanting to disgrace them in public, Jesus waited for the disciples to get home before asking what they were discussing on the way. Jesus said: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). To illustrate this point, Jesus took a little child and put him among them. Taking the child in His arms, Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37). The key to greatness is humility and service. If you want others to bow before you, you must bow before the smallest and treat everyone with respect.
- Today’s first reading also makes the same point: “Accept whatever befalls you and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation.” (Sirach 2:4-5). No one will bow before you if you cannot bow before others. Moments of humiliation help purify us like fire purifies gold.
- Sad times will come; events and circumstances will bring us to our knees. Do not give up on God when the going becomes tough because difficult moments will not last forever. Sirach says: “You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not stray, or you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the Lord hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.” (Sirach 2:7-9). Jesus says: “For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14).
- You will never regret trusting God and remaining steadfast in hard times. “Has anyone trusted in the Lord and has been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or has anyone called upon him and was neglected? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress.” (Sirach 2:10-11).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to be humble always. 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. (Tuesday of week 7 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11, Ps. 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40, Mark 9:30-37).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu