Putting Ourselves in the Service of Others.
Dear Parishioners,
Jesus turned his focus toward Jerusalem while predicting what awaited him: suffering, death and resurrection. Last Sunday, we read how Peter tried to talk him out of it but received a sharp rebuke in the gospel. His disciples still did not grasp or comprehend the weight of Jesus’ prediction. Rather, they were more concerned about trivial issues, like who was the greatest among them. So sad and cruel not to empathize with their master, who just informed them about a plot to kill him. How indifferent can they be? How frequently have we chosen to ignore God’s word for our selfish interests? The Lord makes it clear that no one can get into God’s kingdom by seeking his own personal and human interests.
I was intrigued by the conversation that was taking place among the disciples after hearing of Jesus’ impending suffering and death. First, they were afraid to ask him questions; perhaps no one wanted to be called Satan. But they did sometime far worse; they were subtly campaigning for a position of leadership among themselves. The desire for power and influence seemed to have captured their imagination rather than what Jesus presented to them.
Our Lord Jesus offers us a paradox in life. You can see how similar we are to the disciples. Power, fame and riches, with a reluctance to serve others, often obstructs our vision and places us at odds with the gospel. The transitory glory of this world is more appealing and unfortunately takes the primary place in many people’s hearts, leaving no room for God and his words. Jesus appeals to us by presenting a little child as a model of complete trust in God and abandonment of oneself to him. As we all know, children depend on their parents for everything. Children are not afraid of their parents. They give love and expect love back. They are simple and ordinary.
While the disciples were busy entangled in their quarreling, Jesus revealed to us the secret of his life and of the world itself. “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all.” This opens a whole new door and perspective for all believers. To be the last means not to seek recognition or influence over others. It means to not draw attention to oneself and to act modestly. Most of all, it means to serve all and never discriminate against anyone. This criteria is a mirror that enables us to examine ourselves.
Like little children, we can be helpless and weak. So, we turn to Jesus, who strengthens and guides us through the path of life. “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me.” This is how we welcome Jesus—by putting ourselves at the service of others. Even in the face of conflict or rejection, we remain resolute to service and sacrifice. Saint James reminds us that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist there is disorder…”
Today, the Holy Father Pope Francis calls us to action. The Church wishes to be poor, to be the servant of all. The image of a child speaks to the heart of the gospel message. “In order to receive this little one we must be pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy such that is better than fighting and waging war.” Jesus is not asking us to defend anything. He asks us to serve another. I like to put it in this order: God first, others second and myself third. Only then can we be at peace. Jesus is the ultimate example of putting oneself at the service of others.
Grace and Peace To You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
