25TH SUNDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
25TH SUNDAY HOMILY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: IT PAYS TO SERVE
BY: Fr. Justus Oruh
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 / James 3:16-4:3 / Mark 9:30-37
(a) “The disciples were arguing, quarrelling and asking who among them is the greatest. What causes quarrel and fights among us? Don’t they come from our desires that battle within us (James 4:1).
(b) These questions summarize our world history of wars, communities and families today where people struggle; for ego, power, might, supremacy, posts, positions and selfish interests. Some times these desires are sought by all means even if it means to kill and take away life of the just and innocent people.(Wisdom 2:12). When people in the government, church and families seek not to serve the good interest of others but seek to make their greatness felt among people, there are always agitations and quarreling. We are not made to intimidate others or to show them how great and mighty we are, either by show of wealth, money, or flexing of authority and power.
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(c) Peace comes with seeking first to serve the good interest of others as St. Paul advises; “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” (Phil 2:3). We lead by serving the good interest of one other, like the Son of man who came to serve; like an innocent child in the family. To correct the quarrelling disciples about who among them is the greatest, Jesus place a child in their midst. From nature, a child is small and it does not cross his/her imagination that he/she is the greatest in House, but in his/her littleness is disposed to run errands for all, and thereby wins the attention of all in the family. Our time is yet to understand that he who serves, leads. He controls the attentions of the people who needs his services, he becomes relevant to people through services, he is appreciated for his services, he finds joy and fulfilment in life through serving. It pays not to be bossy, to flex muscles and authority. It pays to serve.
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