THE TRUE GREATNESS OF A PERSON
First Reading: Wisdom 2: 12 and 17-20
Second Reading: James 3: 16 to 4: 3
Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 30-37
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. A detailed explanation about the evil designs of the godless who plot against the righteous and the upright people is given. The just person is inconvenient to them because he/she stands against their evil plans. So they want to do away with him/her by deceit and cunning ways.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle elaborates the causes of division and fights, whether it is within a family, within a community or between nations. Jealousy, ambition and selfishness lead people to do vile practices. It leads to disharmony and constant fighting. But we should always strive for wisdom from above which is pure and peaceable. It brings good fruits in our lives.
Who is the greatest? Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A sharp difference in perception between Jesus and His disciples is observed in their discussions. After Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah - the anointed one of God - Jesus explains to them that the Messiah has to suffer bitter humiliation and die an ignominious death. The disciples totally reject such and idea. They are more concerned about who is the greatest among them. Knowing their thoughts, Jesus explains to them about true greatness in His kingdom. His kingdom is not about seeking honour and glory. It is about serving others. It is not about sitting on high chairs and soft seats, with others bowing and kneeling before them. It is about being down on the knees with a basin of water in one hand and a towel in the other, washing the feet of 'the little ones'. He tells them: "Whoever wants to be first among you has to be the last of all and be the servant of all." Hence for Jesus, true greatness is in serving others. Maybe many of us are like the disciples of Jesus and we often measure greatness according to the standards of the world: Position, power and wealth. We often fail to accept and appreciate true greatness according to the standards of the Lord. Today Jesus is inviting us to be part of His kingdom by being at the service of the nobody's of the world. Jesus has given us the great example of washing the feet of His Apostles and sharing His own body and blood with us - mere mortals. Christ not only urges us to do this, but also He gives His example. He gives His very life for others. No one can do greater than that. Many saints - holy men and women - have followed this teaching of Jesus in their lives. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of serving the poorest of the poor. They have shown us through their exemplary lives how to be truly great in the kingdom of God through their selfless and dedicated service. Now it is our turn to accept Jesus' invitation to achieve true greatness through our service to the fellow beings. May the Lord Jesus who through His humble service has shown us how to serve and not to be served, bless all of you and inspire you to do same in your lives and become truly great. Amen.
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