2/25/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 9:30-37

30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.
33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”
34 But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.
35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
36 Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
37 “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

2/25/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 9:30-37

Jesus teaches His disciples a lesson that turns the world’s definition of greatness upside down. As they traveled through Galilee, Jesus again spoke of His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, but the disciples did not understand. Instead of asking Him for clarity, they began arguing among themselves about who was the greatest.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, sat down and called them together. He didn’t rebuke them harshly but gently revealed a truth that would shape their hearts: true greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power, fame, or position. It is about humility and servanthood.

In our world, greatness is often measured by accomplishments, influence, and status. People strive to be first such as first in success, first in recognition, first in wealth. Yet Jesus tells us something radically different: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Jesus Himself embodied this principle. Though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself to serve, washing His disciples’ feet, healing the sick, and ultimately sacrificing His life for humanity. True greatness is not found in being served but in serving others with love and humility.

To illustrate His point, Jesus took a child and placed him in their midst. In that culture, children had little social status, yet Jesus embraced the child and said, “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” (Mark 9:37)

This powerful image reminds us that greatness is found in welcoming and caring for the least, the overlooked, and the vulnerable. When we love and serve others, especially those who cannot repay us, we reflect the heart of God.

How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives?

1. Serve with humility – Look for ways to serve those around you, whether in your family, workplace, or church. No act of service is too small in God’s eyes.

2. Embrace the unnoticed – Just as Jesus welcomed the child, we are called to care for those who are often ignored or marginalized. A kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand can make a difference.

3. Follow Jesus’ example – He did not seek status but humbled Himself to serve. When we put others first, we walk in His footsteps and find true fulfillment.

As we seek to live out Jesus’ teaching, may we remember that true greatness is not found in being first, but in being last. It is not about rising above others, but about lifting others up. Let us embrace a life of servanthood, knowing that in God’s kingdom, the greatest are those who serve with love.

Let’s strive not for the world’s definition of success, but for the joy of serving, for in doing so, we welcome Christ Himself into our hearts.

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