Wisdom 2.12, 17-20/ Ps.54.3+4,8+6+9a/ James 3.16-4.3/ Mark 9.30-37
Christ openly told his disciples that everyone who wants to follow Him must carry his/her own cross. As we continue to reflect on this matter, we realize that there are indeed plenty of challenges here and there that affect our Christian living. These challenges may or may not help us grow in faith depending on how we see these challenges in our daily life. One may see these challenges as reasons to grow in faith, and one may see them as reasons to completely abandon his/her faith. Our enemy often tests each one who belongs to Christ as to what extent one can remain faithful and patient especially in the most challenging time. The most challenging time can be the most tempting time to choose the enemy and abandon what is truly great and lasting. But we are for Christ. It is true greatness to be able to overcome the most tempting time, and receive the grace of sobriety/forbearance.
Our gospel reading today tells us about Jesus who is teaching his disciples about true greatness. The disciples were arguing then who is the greatest. It may sound to be interesting too whether they have agreed or not on who is the greatest (among them!?) before Jesus confronted them about the matter. Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Jesus, taking a child as an example, once again told His disciples, “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.”
When our hearts are focused more on the things of this world, we will solely long for the kind of greatness this world offers. While one wants to be greater than the other, jealousy will remain because of selfish ambition. Envy and killings will be widespread and there will no peace. Our second reading teaches a lot on these. An enemy is often manipulative, and showcases what is fake and temporary, the easiest, the seemingly true and seemingly beautiful. The wisdom from above helps us reflect on what is lasting and what will bring us to true happiness and true greatness for ourselves.