TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME TUES MAY 17

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME TUES MAY 17 ( Jas  4:1-10, Mk 9:30-37 )

#JESUSTEACHESUSREALGREATNESS#

In todays gospel, when Jesus prophesied his own betrayal and crucifixion, it did not make any sense to his disciples because it did not fit their understanding of what the Messiah came to do. Further, we how ashamed the disciples must have been when Jesus overheard them arguing about who among them was the greatest, We sometimes like the disciples compare ourselves with others and desire their praise. The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us.

Friends, after Jesus gently reproved the Apostles, He then gently taught them the meaning of true greatness by embracing a child to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. The one who is humble and lowly of heart,  who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant or child. Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served, but to serve (Mt 20:28). Paul the Apostle states that Jesus emptied himself and took the form of a servant (Phil 2:7). These are perfect examples for us.

Beloved, Finally we know that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Jm 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way like, pride, self-seeking glory, vanity and other vices. May we come to realize that to be of service is to receive the child in others that needs understanding and guidance, not judgment and punishment. More still according to the first reading may we avoid the conflicts within the Christian community and within each person that divide, destroy and separate us from each other and from God. May God bless and help us.