'They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 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.” Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, “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 (Mk. 9:33-37).”’
Jesus and his disciples were on the way from Caesarea Philippi to Jerusalem and they stopped off at Capernaum. Simon Peter and Andrew had a home in Capernaum where Peter’s Mother-in-Law was cured (Mk. 1:29-31). The disciples, in their lack of understanding, were discussing who among them was the greatest disciple. James and John took it a step further and asked Jesus if they could sit on his right and left in the Kingdom of God (Mk. 10:37). Jesus instructed them on the model those in authority in the church should follow. A child was an example of someone who is helpless and cannot give a reward for being helped. The greatest in the community should help those who cannot help themselves out of love for Christ. Whoever helps a child in the name of Jesus helps Jesus and whoever helps Jesus helps God who sent Jesus. The leaders should be servants as he is and not impose demands on others. Ambition and pride should have no place in the church.
Almighty God, help us to strive for humility and understanding so that we may serve You in accordance with your will. Grant us the grace to be free from ambition and pride as we keep our eyes fixed on your heavenly kingdom. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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