The people of Jesus’ time considered women and children least constituents of the society. They considered greatness in terms of what you HAVE than what you ARE. It is in this context that Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, takes a little child, puts it by his side and upholds the dignity and value of that innocent one. They did not expect this radical thought from Jesus, and I am sure they found it difficult to accept and digest those words of Jesus about the little child.
When it comes to greatness, I do think that it has to be seen in what I do. If my talents and abilities are manifested, then I prove to the others that I am multi- talented, I can do many things, and I am capable. But when others devalue my potential or my ability, I have a quick reaction to this! I get annoyed and usually try to prove my worth.
It is here that I am invited to stop, look back and think what true greatness is. “For the least among all of you is the greatest” (Lk 9:48). Jesus’ invitation to me is stark and challenging. That is to humble myself like that innocent little child. It does not matter how I am seen in the others’ eyes; it only matters how I am seen in the eyes of God. Only then I acquire the true greatness.
By Shiju Joseph csc - Readings: Zech 8:1-8; Lk 9:46-50 In many versions of the Bible, today’s gospel passage is titled ‘True Greatness’. The society trains us to seek greatness, to become ‘someone’ in the society, and seek as much power as one can muster. Ability to influence the lives…
By Thomas Lima csc - Readings: Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9:51-56 In today’s gospel, the heartless attitude of the Samaritans constantly reminds me to have my heart open to welcome Jesus. In the gospel, I find that there are three types of people: (1) the Samaritans, who do not welcome Jesus,…
Akshi Wary csc - Readings: Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9: 51-56 In today’s Gospel we see Jesus setting his face towards Jerusalem, knowing that his suffering and death await him there. He sends messengers ahead of him to a Samaritan village, but the Samaritans refuse to welcome him. When James and…
By Shiju Joseph csc - Readings: Zech 8:1-8; Lk 9:46-50 In many versions of the Bible, today’s gospel passage is titled ‘True Greatness’. The society trains us to seek greatness, to become ‘someone’ in the society, and seek as much power as one can muster. Ability to influence the lives…
By Thomas Lima csc - Readings: Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9:51-56 In today’s gospel, the heartless attitude of the Samaritans constantly reminds me to have my heart open to welcome Jesus. In the gospel, I find that there are three types of people: (1) the Samaritans, who do not welcome Jesus,…
Akshi Wary csc - Readings: Zech 8:20-23; Lk 9: 51-56 In today’s Gospel we see Jesus setting his face towards Jerusalem, knowing that his suffering and death await him there. He sends messengers ahead of him to a Samaritan village, but the Samaritans refuse to welcome him. When James and…
