WHO IS THE GREATEST?
The answer to the above question depends on its context. Who is the greatest boxer? Who is the greatest sprinter? Who is the greatest actor and so on? When the disciples are arguing among themselves as to who is the greatest, there is a deep irony at work. What is the point of knowing who is the greatest when it is obvious that the answer is Jesus? There is little point talking about superlatives when you have to exclude someone or something from the comparison.
When Jesus challenges them, He surprises them by making it clear that He is not really interested in any of their strengths. He does this by placing a child in their midst and proclaiming that the greatest among them must be like the little child. What does Jesus mean by this?
It is quite clear that Jesus is saying to His disciples that greatness in the realm of faith and discipleship is measured according to the person’s depth of trust in God. A child innately trusts his or her parents and, thus, willingly places his or her life under their authority and love. Are we willing to do this in our relationship with God? Our answer to this question will dictate the degree to which we will become great in the eyes of God.
Therein lies the second aspect of becoming great—and that is, whether or not we are talking about great in the eyes of the world or in the eyes of God. The biggest difference between these two is that greatness in the eyes of the world withers and fades, but greatness in God’s eyes will endure forever. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ---------
What legacy do you want to leave—greatness and excellence in the eyes of the world or in the eyes of God?
Jesus, help me to choose to work for a crown that will endure forever by committing my life to You and shunning the acclaim that comes from the world if it should lead me away from You. Amen.
Today, I pray for: __________________________
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