Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time - Luke
9:46-50
Today’s Gospel presents a scene that likely is
familiar to us. The disciples were arguing about which of them was the
greatest. Sound familiar? Jesus was listening to them. Luke writes: “Jesus
realized the intention of their hearts.” Was Jesus disappointed or frustrated
with his disciples? After all, these men had been chosen to be servants to one
another and to the people. Yet, here they were having a petty argument about
who among them was the greatest.
Power! Throughout history, power and acclaim have
dominated politics, religion and social status. It is natural and healthy that
all human beings desire a certain amount of power. We all need a moderate
amount of power in order to make choices for ourselves. This enables us to
choose to have loving, healthy, and productive lives. Yet, as we know, the
desire for power often corrupts – be that in the family, the Church,
institutions, business or politics. The intense desire for power often is the
downfall of someone who has great potential.
Today Jesus is disturbed that his disciples are
so concerned about who is the greatest among them, which could be translated as
the one who “has the most power.” Jesus does not directly confront his
disciples. Rather he brings a child into their midst and says to them: “Whoever
receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me also
receives the One who sent me.” Jesus then continues: “The one who is least among
you is the one who is the greatest.”
Today may be a good day to ask ourselves: Are we
content with being among the least? Or do we strive for power or influence? Can
we be satisfied to be “one with the people” rather than a star or a leader?
Today I also invite you to be attentive to those individuals you encounter who
truly embody Jesus’ call to be the “least” (in a healthy way). They can be a living example for us.
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