25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 22, 2024
Readings: Wisdom 2:12,17-20; Psalm 54:3-8 James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37
In the secular world, greatness is often defined by status, power, wealth, and influence. People strive to be recognized, admired, and celebrated for their achievements, positioning themselves above others through success, authority, or material gain. The pursuit of greatness in this sense often fosters competition, pride, and a focus on personal ambition. In contrast, Jesus redefines greatness entirely. He teaches that true greatness lies in humility, service, and selflessness. In the Reign of God, those who serve others, especially the least and the marginalized, are considered the greatest. Jesus calls His followers to embrace a childlike humility, seeking not worldly recognition but a life dedicated to loving and serving others. This radical understanding of greatness challenges us to shift our focus from self-promotion to self-giving.
1. The call to humility and being open to God
In this passage Mark 9:30-37, Jesus speaks of His impending suffering and death, yet the disciples, preoccupied with their own concerns, fail to grasp His message. Jesus predicts His betrayal and crucifixion, but the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson in humility. Jesus brings a child into their midst and says, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This statement turns the world’s concept of greatness upside down. Jesus does not dismiss the desire to be great; rather, He redefines what true greatness is — found not in power or status but in service and humility.
Reflecting on this, we realize that Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living. In a world where personal achievement is often glorified, Jesus invites us to embrace a childlike openness and humility, serving others without seeking recognition or reward. Just as a child depends on others with trust and vulnerability, we are asked to depend on God and to put the needs of others before our own. The disciples' misunderstanding mirrors our own human tendency to prioritize self-promotion and personal gain, even in the presence of divine truth.
Jesus understands the sense of being humble by his own experience as a human person even to the point of God becoming human. The child represents those who are often overlooked or marginalized in society — the vulnerable, the powerless. Jesus teaches us that to serve God is to embrace and care for the least among us. By doing so, we welcome Christ Himself into our lives. This challenges us to reflect on how we treat those who cannot repay our kindness, those who might be considered insignificant by worldly standards. Do we have eyes to see Christ in the poor, the outcast, the lonely? Do we serve others as Christ served, with no expectation of reward?
The disciples do not understand why their beloved teacher must suffer and die. This is often our struggle as well. The path of the cross is not easy to comprehend, as it defies human logic. But Jesus shows us that greatness is not achieved through victory in worldly terms, but through self-sacrifice and love, even in the face of suffering. The mystery of the cross in our own lives must be accepted than denied. God’s glory and love are revealed even when we face challenges, pain or loss. Jesus’ journey to the cross teaches us that suffering, when united with love and faith, becomes redemptive.
3. The Fruits of Envy and Selfish Ambition
The apostle St James James 3:16-4:3 begins by addressing the dangers of jealousy and selfish ambition: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). He connects these attitudes to the breakdown of relationships and community, showing that when our hearts are ruled by self-centered desires, conflict inevitably follows. Envy is an insidious force—it creates division, breeds resentment, and causes us to compete with others for things we believe will bring us happiness or success. In a similar way, selfish ambition leads us to pursue our own interests at the expense of others, often leaving a trail of brokenness and hurt in its wake.
Reflecting on this, we are challenged to examine our own hearts. Are there areas of our lives where envy or selfish ambition has taken root? Do we compare ourselves to others, leading to frustration and anger when we perceive that they have what we lack? James reminds us that such attitudes lead only to chaos and disharmony, both in our relationships and within ourselves. Let us pray for the grace to serve with humility, to welcome the vulnerable with love, and to walk the path of the cross with faith, following the example of Christ.
Questions for self-reflection:
- Are we seeking worldly greatness or are we following Christ’s path of humility and service?
- Who are the “least” in my life — the overlooked, marginalized, or vulnerable — and how am I welcoming and serving them?
- What are some practical ways I can imitate Christ's humility and service in my everyday interactions?
Prayer based on Psalm 54
Heavenly Father,
You are my help and my strength. Hear my cry, O Lord, and uphold me by Your mighty hand. You are faithful and just, and I know that You will deliver me from all harm. I give thanks to You, for Your goodness never fails. Teach us to seek Your wisdom, which brings peace and mercy. Help us to align our desires with Your will, and give us the grace to serve others with humility and love. May we become instruments of Your peace, creating harmony in our relationships and communities. Sustain me, O God, and I will praise Your name forever, for You have rescued me and brought me safely into Your loving care. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
September 20, 2024
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