Theme: Humble ourselves before the Lord and he will lift us up.
Scripture readings: Jas 4:1-10; Ps. 54:7-11,23; Mk. 9:30-37
After the transfiguration, Jesus headed Jerusalem, a place of his execution through Galilee. Jesus is seen in different mood when he is in Galilee. He is not teaching the multitude but his disciples, he is not busy in healing but paying attention to his disciples. Jesus does not wish anyone to know that he is in Galilee. Jesus spoke to them about his passion and death for the second time. (cfr. 8:31, 10:32-34) As usual his disciples did not understand it. They were also afraid to ask him. Instead they indulged in unwanted things. They gave totally inappropriate response. They discussed about their own glory. They wanted who would be the greatest among them. This incidence brings to our face a reality that our human tendencies always seek self-glory. We do not think of others.
Jesus did not put this thought away. He did not accuse them for their selfishness. He converted their thinking in a right direction. He told them that they can achieve greatness only when they become servants of others. They could be the greatest only when they put themselves last in their priority. This call was a revolutionary one because during those days the humility and meekness was considered to be weakness of a person. The call to humility was not a thought but invitation to do some action (Servanthood).
Jesus continued his teaching further by placing child in their midst. Children in those days were considered to be non-person. They did not have legal right. They were insignificant. Jesus told them to receive the child in His name which means to love them, care them and serve them. They are the most-needy and can’t pay back. Jesus made astounding statement. Those who receive this children, they receive Him and those who receive him (the crucified Lord), they will receive God who sent Him.
The key word in Jesus’ teaching to become humble, if someone wants to be greatest in this world. St. James rightly understood it very well. He tells us in today’s first reading, the causes of inner battle, cravings for more and unfulfilled ambitions. He invites to pay attention to our present conditions, wretched state, miserable and gloomy life. He further tells us the reason why we are still in wanting. It is all because we haven’t prayed enough and properly. At the end he exhorts to humble ourselves before the Lord.
How beautiful these thoughts are but they become ineffective when remain only at the cognitive level. If they are put into practice, then we are sure to have a happy life with the Lord. May this holy Eucharist help us to become humble before the Lord that he may lift us up.
Fr. Alex D’Mello
