Who is the Greatest? Child and Servant?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fifth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 9:30-37*

*First Reading : Wis 2:12, 17-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8*

*Second Reading -Jas 3:16-4:3*

*Who is the Greatest? Child and Servant?*

*1) Who is greatest?*

In today's Gospel we have this particular question

At the peripheral level it appears as a negative question. In the sense that one is trying to boast about oneself 

But there is also the positive side for this question. 

We can answer this question from positive view. The following may be some of the approach to answer this question

*2) Child and Servant*

In answering the above question, Jesus places before the disciples two images 

*Servant model* : To become great one should become servant 

*Child Model* Jesus also says, to become great one should become Child 

What is the speciality of these models 

*3) Servant Model*

Servant Model has the following qualities

Servant supposed to be faithful to the Master 

Service is the motto of the servant 

He is always available to the Master 

He is ready for any work 

He finds joy in serving the master 

Masters Glory and Success is his joy 

He does not go against the masters will and wish 

He lives and dies for the master 

That's why one who adopts these qualities will be great in the Kingdom of God 

*4) Child Model*

Jesus says, one who is like the Child will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven 

Child always trusts the Father 

Depends on the parents 

Always happy in the presence of Parents 

Not worried about silly things 

Know completely that parents will protect 

Child like Faith, child like Hope, child like trust is very important 

Child is not proud, no malice, no gossip, no revenge, no anger, no lies, no hypocrisy, no greed 

Child is clean in mind and heart 

So to have child like behavior means becoming great in the Kingdom of Heaven 

*5) We need to become great*

In the sight of God we need to become great 

Be great in forgiveness

Be great in love 

Be great in simplicity

Be great in hope 

Be great in sharing 

Be great in sincerity

Be great in service

Be great in sacrifice

Be great in generosity

Be great in sympathy

Be great in reconciliation

Be great in prayer 

Be great in devotion

Be great in sacrifice

Be great in human qualities

Becoming great in the sight of God is the real purpose of our Life

Am I ready to become great in the sight of God??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*