
We live times where status matters. Whether our status is related to work, wealth, or online presence we see it self defining in some way. It can make us feel important, valued, seen or powerful. The temptation to seek status can be beguiling and misleading.
In today’s gospel the disciples fall into this trap. Discovering them arguing about who is the greatest among them Jesus takes them aside, offering a teaching that turns all their ideas about status and power upside down.
He tells them that the greatness they seek is not part of the kingdom. The way of the kingdom is not to seek to be first, but to choose to put others first:
“If anyone wants to be first, they must make themselves last of all and servant of all.”
It’s not what the disciples had left everything to follow him were expecting to hear. If we are honest about our own reactions his words they are just as startling to us today.
He calls us to a way of living that puts the needs of others before our own, to treat them as we would like to be treated. I wonder how life might change if that became the guiding principle of all our daily interactions and encounters? There is no doubt that such a change would be costly for us, and would require a daily effort. Alongside this challenge the gospel offers us the hope that it would also be an enriching and life enhancing experience.
How is Christ calling you to serve today?