Jesus Tells His Disciples and Us: If You Want to Be Great . . .

Fr. Bernard Maganga, SMM

Jesus Tells His Disciples and Us: If You Want to Be Great . . .

Often in our discussions, we talk about the greatest.

The greatest athlete in a specific sport, like soccer, basketball or football. There is even a greatest hot dog eater as per the July 4th competition!

If we are honest with ourselves, we all want to be great! It is the reason we work hard. It is the reason we endure many sleepless nights to make ourselves better. There is nothing wrong with being great. However, if our obsession to be great is at the expense of others, then the obsession becomes a problem. If we do this and forget all about God, then this obsession is a problem!

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Both readings and the Gospel talk about greatness. The Homily first discusses the first two readings as it relates to greatness and the lesson for us! We must be thankful and content with whatever gifts we receive from God. There will always be someone greater than us in this lifetime. Hear more within the Homily!

We must be content and realize the blessings that God has given to us! And be happy for others for the gifts they have also received from God!

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

In the Gospel, the theme of greatness continues. Jesus tells his disciples that He will be handed over and be killed. This is the second time He will tell the disciples. The disciples do not understand what Jesus is trying to tell them. Out of fear, the disciples do not ask! Instead, what do they do? They talk among themselves about who is the greatest!

When Jesus asks them what they were discussing, the disciples were ashamed to tell Him! Jesus already knew!

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