“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mk 9:35)
Jesus said so many things that “go against the grain.” Today’s Gospel is no exception.
From the time we are young, we learn that it is important to be in charge. We vie to be the one to make the decisions about the games that we will play, the rules by which we will abide, and a whole host of other issues.
As we get older, that desire becomes even more entrenched.
We want to be Number One. We want to be in charge. It is abhorrent to be subservient to anybody.
Imagine the Lord chastising His apostles.
They find out that Jesus is not going to be with them much longer.
Instead of being concerned about Jesus, they began to argue about which one would become in charge when Jesus left.
I am sure they were not ready for Jesus’ answer: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Being a servant would be the last thing on their radar. After all, they wanted to be served, not to serve.
Service is very important. Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies about the Suffering Servant. He gave Himself, gladly, to us that we might be saved.
Jesus asks us to give ourselves to one another in service.
Being in charge does not matter.
Serving each other is what matters most.
FAITH ACTION: Is there anyone in our life whom we are tired of helping? Go to that person and give of yourself, cheerfully, this day.