Am I greatest? If I am great, in what?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

26th Week – Wednesday

Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5

First Reading – Is 66:10-14 

Am I greatest? If I am great, in what?

1) Who is the greatest?

This is one of the important questions which disturb every person in some time or the other

All of us want to become great in one area or the other

It is a basic human tendency to desire to become great in front of others

2) Various areas in which people want to become great

There are many who want to become great in the political level. So they use all types of means to become great 

There are also others who want to become great in acting, singing, body building, games like cricket, basketball, football and other areas as well 

All these areas are very attractive and people try to become great in various areas where they get recognition and power

3) Disciples of Jesus also had desire to become great

The disciples of Jesus were busy in discussing who is great among them 

They were also worried about this question and each of them wanted to become great in their group 

4) Answer through a small child

Jesus does not answer this question directly. But He places a small child in front of them and tell them, one who is able to accept this child in His name is the greatest in the Kingdom of God 

One who is able to become like the child will be greatest in the Kingdom of God

5) Great in the Kingdom of God and Great among Human beings (Worldly greatness)

Two types of greatest are being spoken in today's Gospel

Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven 

Greatest in the Worldly kingdom

Disciples were busy in discussing their greatest from the worldly standards. 

Am I worried about my greatest in the Kingdom of God or In the Worldly kingdom? 

6) Am I great in the kingdom of God

This is the important question. In order to become great in the kingdom of God we need to grow in the following areas or we need to ask the following questions

• Am I great in Humility
• Am I great in forgiving 
• Am I great in loving 
• Am I great in serving 
• Am I great in thrusting
• Am I great in hope
• Am I great in charity
• Am I great in speaking good 
• Am I great in helping 
• Am I great in supporting
• Am I great in learning 
• Am I great in my spirituality
• Am I great in praying 
• Am I great in my holiness

If we are able to find out answer to the above questions definitely we will become great in the kingdom of heaven 

Do I want to become great in the kingdom of God?

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore