The Greatest

09-19-2021Weekly 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 resurrection. As they return to Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they were arguing about along the way. They argued among themselves, who is the greatest? Since Peter seems to be the unofficial leader, they expect him to give them an answer. But instead, Jesus gives them an unexpected answer; If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. Meaning, the greatest does not think of himself to be the first in the eyes of God. He does not expect to be the leader but serves the least among all.

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 does not allow them to spread their evil ways. Courageously he confronts all ills of society to destroy them, and God protects him from any harm. After the Lord prophesies for the second time that the Son of Man will be killed and will rise on the third day, no disciple dares to ask any question. They look up to Peter because the Lord affirmed his confession of faith. But they also witness when Jesus rebukes Peter for not accepting the destiny of Jesus. The brother James and John are still in awe after the transfiguration moment. The other disciples have very little knowledge of who Jesus is, and they are more afraid to ask a question. Now that Jesus is again talking 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 when we feel insecure, we tend to boast, we try to boast ourselves up, and then appear more weak. Our true importance does not depend on human adulation but God's love for us. The message of Jesus to the Apostles is also a reminder for us: Those who wish to be first, and the last shall be first. 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 even taking care of one child makes us great. When we open our hearts to little 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 not fall on pride. Jesus tells His disciples that the only one greatest of them among themselves is the one who can humble himself like a child. It is pride that causes so many conflicts and divisions among us. It is pride also that prolongs the ills of society and disunity among us. The opposite of pride is following the way of humility; that leads to freedom and unity. Jesus invites His disciples to be humble like a child. So, they will experience peace. When we were children, we can easily erase whatever wrong we did, reminding us adults; that we must not keep repeating our mistakes. As adults, our most common mistake and habit is our pride. Humility is the ability to give up our being proud but still retain our dignity.