True Greatness

 Luke 9: 46-50

Who Is the Greatest?

⁴⁶ An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. ⁴⁷ But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side ⁴⁸ 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.”

Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us

⁴⁹ John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” ⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

Ambition can be a legitimate motivator, but it can also be a killer. The Apostles, like all of us, wanted approval and even "greatness", but Jesus quickly dispels their ambitions by presenting them with the example of a child who models simplicity, spontaneity, guilelessness, and innocence.   Rather than being "great" in the sense of the world, that is, prideful, famous, "important" or "superior", Jesus indicates clearly what path , what lifestyle, is the best to bring us closer to him.  May he help us resist our false ambitions and guide is to true "greatness", the greatness of a little child.

Bro. Rene

Dear Lord, we pray for success in our days, but keep us mindful that true success is a sincere desire to serve. To be great is to serve in those quiet opportunities when our hearts touch another’s. Bless our eyes that we may see other people’s need; bless our hearts that we may feel other people’s pain; bless our minds that your wisdom may guide our actions.

Rev. Herbert Yost, C.S.C.