We must humble

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“For he who is least among you all is the one who is great." Today’s gospel (Luke 9:46-50) is all about pride and ambition. The apostles are arguing over who is the greatest among them. One of them feels that they must be first among the rest. Jesus, sensing the tension between them grabs a young child and places him at his right hand and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” It’s amazing that Jesus uses a young child to set the example. Children in the time of Jesus had no rights or standing in society. They were at the very bottom of the ladder of society. When we are ambitious and seeking glory for ourselves, we are trying to elevate ourselves to the very top rung. A young child is meek and humble and innocent and does not see the ladder.

Not only are his disciples arguing over who is first, but they are also upset that they are not exclusive. John complains that someone else was casting out demons in the name of Jesus. The apostles told him to stop because he was not one of the twelve. But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.” What gave them the exclusive right to Jesus? Are we not all called to cast out demons in Christ’s name? Are we not all called to be servants of the Lord? We must humble and set ourselves at the bottom of the ladder to truly be first in the eyes of God. Jesus came to this earth to serve and not to be served. We are called to mimic Christ, we are called to be servants.

A Simple Prayer Lord, allow your grace to overflow into me, To give me strength to be humble and meek, To have a childlike level of innocence. May that grace give me strength to serve others.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon