Wis 2:12, 17-20
Jas 3:16—4:3
Mk 9:30-37

Humility, Wisdom and Service

On this Sunday, the readings invite us to reflect on the roles of humility, wisdom, and service in our lives. We are challenged to examine how we live our faith and interact with others. 

The Book of Wisdom tells us about just people suffering because of their righteousness. The wicked plot against the just, trying to see if God will save them. We are reminded that living a righteous life may lead to suffering and opposition. True wisdom is not always appreciated. Sometimes, doing the right thing brings challenges and hardships. However, we are to remain faithful and trust that God sees and knows our struggles.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about true greatness. He tells them that whoever wants to be first must be humble and the servant of all. He then places a child in their midst, showing them that welcoming the least is welcoming Him. 

In Jesus’ day, children were without status or power, possessing no legal rights. Jesus is teaching his disciples, and us, that when we serve the least ones among us, we serve Jesus himself. Who are the people without power or status in our society that Jesus is calling us to serve? Do we do so willingly? Jesus teaches that God’s judgment of us will be based on how we treat others.

In our society today reaching the top, achieving fame and fortune, being the most important person is the goal of many. This may not be our goal but do we try to have the latest designer clothing, have a bigger and more expensive car than we need, live in a five-bedroom house when there are two of us? These are not wrong in and of themselves but the motivation behind them is what we need to own.

Ambition may take a variety of forms such as when we treat others as if they are not important, when we think our race or nationality is superior to “those foreigners.” Even religion can be a form of ambition when one has a “holier than thou” attitude. The list of ambitious thoughts and actions is endless. Only you know what motivates you.

Our loving God is calling us to be women and men who love others as we love ourselves. Our attitudes and actions should reflect this.

When is the last time you looked at all your possessions and eliminated what was no longer being used or needed?

What motivates your thoughts, words and actions in regard to material things and how you treat people?