Sunday Gospel Reflection
They had discussed with one another who was the greatest

Introduction:

To Serve A Child

When was the last time you cared for a child? What happened?

Children are the most precious people in the world. They encourage us when the world wears us down. They freshen us when our aching joints tell us our true age. They challenge us to the Godlike virtues of patience, self-discipline, and charity. In spite of our mature "wisdom," children even help us to see the world in new and
wonderful ways.

Yet, isn't it so easy to sweep children, their concerns, their needs, even their very presence, out of view? Isn't it so easy to let our needs, agendas, and self-importance overshadow those of our small brothers and sisters in faith? As much as they brighten our world, isn't it so easy to ignore children?

Jesus used a small child as a bench mark of leadership. For, whoever welcomed one like a child welcomed Christ himself.

First Reading
Wisdom 2:12,17-20

12 "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training
....
17 Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life;
18 for if the righteous man is God's son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries.
19 Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance.
20 Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protect

Second Reading
James 3:16-4:3
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity.
18 And the harvest of right-eousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
4:1 What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members?
2 You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Gospel Reading
Mark 9:30-37

30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would  not have any one know it;
31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man  will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."
32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Caper'na-um; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"
34 But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
36 And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them,
37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."

Bible Study/Meditation

A young newspaper reporter, discussing his priorities and goals during the first year of his professional writing career, stated, "I want to be known as a great writer." At first glance his aspiration seemed like a reasonable dream for a young journalist. However, when asked if his goal was to be a great writer, or to be known as a great writer, he was taken aback. For the first time he had to think about the difference between being, and recognition. Suddenly the issues of inner motive and the pride of life had to be considered and dealt with in his life.

In this week's Gospel reading we see Jesus pick up on this conflict of motives which surrounds our relationship to others. While, Jesus was preparing these disciples for his imminent arrest, abuse, death, and resurrection, his followers were preoccupied with debating who of them would be the greatest. We shudder to think that there might have been a connection between his talk of crucifixion and their talk of greatness. Surely they were not anticipating who would replace him,
were they?

How we view greatness is a reflection of our culturalization. If our heart and mind has been thoroughly impregnated with the world's wisdom, we cannot help but view greatness as an issue of superiority. Greatness, in the world's mind is always defined in terms of hierarchical position of one person over others. He who is at the highest position would be the one esteemed the greatest, and the higher position would be the one to which we should aspire. But Jesus thoroughly debunks this view of greatness, as he does with so many worldly ideas that easily creep into the mindset of his people.

Jesus turned the world's definition of greatness upside down by personal example and by his words. There was no doubt in the minds of those who observed Jesus that he was unique in his greatness. Even his enemies were aware of this attribute, which is why they so cautiously and consistently tried to tear him down. Yet Jesus' example was one of lowliness, eating with the despised and sinful, speaking to and elevating the view of women, washing the feet of his followers, etc. Greatness in Jesus mind is a reflection of love and service to others and not one of lording it over others. Pope John Paul II, in the book Witness to Hope amplifies this thought, "The Christian headship of a local community is not defined by power. Christian 'headship' consists of being a servant, a man suffused with pastoral charity-one who makes a total gift of self to the Church, following the example of Christ." Greatness is not, not thinking highly of yourself, nor is it even thinking lowly of yourself. Greatness is not thinking of yourself at all, but rather thinking of others and how you can serve them.
   
What is it that stands in the way of our greatness? Only our ego and desire to be served by others, and esteemed by others as superior to others. There is a dearth of greatness in our society, and Jesus is looking for people to achieve greatness. In most instances true greatness will not be recognized by others, and like Jesus' greatness will not only not be esteemed but will usually be despised by the world. But Jesus can, and will recognize it in us, for it will be the mirror image of himself, and he will esteem and reward it.

Reflections:

· Please re-read the phrase(s)/sentence(s) that move(s)/touche(s) you and what inner message of the heart is the Spirit whispering to you?

.  Within families, both parents and children are bound by this commandment. Parents are to care for the physical and spiritual needs of their children in the spirit of Christian service (CCC 2252). Children are to show respect, obedience, and assistance to their parents (CCC 2248).The same can be said for governments and the duties of citizens. Governments are to respect the dignity and freedom of the individual and to protect families (CCC 2254). Citizens are to work with governments to build up a just and free society. If the demands of government are unjust, however, the citizen has the obligation not to follow those demands (CCC 2256). In all cases, we are responsible to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and fulfilled needs. This is the true meaning of leadership.
   -----How has Jesus shown you true Christian leadership? How has Jesus challenged your role as a leader: parent, manager or co-worker, minister, a leader in a
movement, a leader in a religious group?

.  Try this simple exercise of imagination. Place yourself in the center of the Twelve along the side of Jesus. In your mind's eye, face Jesus and watch him embrace you. Do you feel the strength of his arms, the tenderness of his touch, the warmth of his hands? Do you feel the strength of his love? After the exercise, think about those in your life that need the embrace of Christ? How can you help them to receive that embrace?

. In your following Jesus, have you wanted to be first instead of last? What rewards do you look for in return for your service?

. Who are "the children" in your eyes? Are they the uneducated, the poor immigrants who "drain our resources ," the immoral - low-in-spirit, the sinners, etc.? How do you recognize them in your midst? How do you receive them?

. What point about greatness is Jesus making with the child?

. Why would the disciples be ashamed or afraid to tell Jesus what they were discussing?

Prayer

Lord, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see your glory and victory in the cross.  Help me to conform my life to your will and to follow in your way of holiness