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)
The desire to be great is one that is edged deeply in the human spirit. Having been created by a great God, there is something in us that constantly longs for self-actualization, personal fulfillment, and respect from others.
Just as God desires that we worship him and him alone, we who are made in His image and likeness also desire that others “worship” us; that is why we don’t joke with our self-esteem and public image. However, the way we go about seeking the respect of others matters.
Jesus does not condemn the desire to be great, instead, he brought a little child into the midst of the disciples to illustrate that true greatness is not really about lording it over others but serving them and bringing oneself down in humility.
Even our first reading today corroborates this fact when it says: “For gold and silver are tested in the fire and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.” Trust me, no one likes a proud person, but humility will take you forward.
Once upon a time, an accident occurred and a man was at the point of death, people gathered at the scene. A lady dressed in a nurse uniform walked up to the scene and attempted to push everyone away. She shouted: “Leave here, all of you, I am a nurse. I am the only one who can attend to him.”
She noticed that an elderly woman dressed in mufti was still beside the man so she shouted at the woman: “Please step away, I am a certified and qualified nurse, I know what to do for this man to save his life.” The woman looked at her and quietly stepped aside. As the nurse was fumbling with what to do, the woman whispered into her ear: “In case you need a doctor, there is one right behind you.”
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, teach me to be humble always. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 7 in Ordinary Time, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11, Ps. 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40, Mark 9:30-37).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu