Who is the Greatest? Mk. 9:30-37

09-22-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

A week after the scene of the famous confession of Peter and the first passion prediction, Jesus reiterated His coming suffering, death, and resurrect. As they return to Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they are arguing along the way. They argued among themselves who was the greatest? Since Peter seems to be the unofficial leader, they expect him to give them an answer. Instead, Jesus gives them an unexpected answer: If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last and the servant of all. The greatest does not think of himself; to be the first in the eyes of God is not the goal. He is a leader who serves the least and the last.

The first reading gives us another image of the greatest. He is the one who works to fight against the evils and evildoers. He bothers them constantly and confronts them from spreading their evil ways. Courageously, he confronts the ills of society to destroy them, and God protects him from harm.

After Jesus reveals His impending passion, death, and resurrection, no disciple dares to ask any more questions. At first, they probably admired Peter because the Lord affirmed his confession of faith, but at the same time was cautious after witnessing how the Lord rebuked Peter for questioning the Will of the Father about His passion. The brothers James and John still have the transfiguration moment hangover. Because the other disciples did not witness the self-revelation of Jesus, they were afraid to ask questions. As the Lord talks about His impending death; what does this mean to His disciples?

Jesus sees our heart, just as He saw the heart of each disciple. Sometimes, we feel insecure: The more we try to boast, the weaker we become. Our true importance depends not on human adulation but on God alone. His message to them is a reminder, also to us: It is not wrong to seek greatness, but true greatness does not come from following human standards. To be great is to serve others. Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them that caring for a child can make us great. When we open our hearts to li le children, we become like Jesus Himself. I come not to be served but to serve and give My life as a ransom for many.

Do you know why we use pencils when we are children and bullpens when we are grown up? That is to teach children that they can erase whatever wrong they do. But a reminder for adults that we are no longer children, so stop repeating the same mistakes. Unfortunately, our biggest mistake is pride foolish pride.

Do not fall on pride. Jesus tells His disciples that the only one greatest among themselves is the one who can humble himself like a child. Pride causes so many conflicts and divisions among us. Pride perpetuates the ills of society and disunity among people. The opposite of pride is humility, freedom, and unity. Jesus invites His disciples to be humble like a child and experience peace. True humility is giving up pride for DIGNITY.