HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: THE GREATEST AMONG THEM
BY: Fr. Karabari Paul
HOMILY FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26 2022
‘An argument arose among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest’
Today’s Gospel (Luke 9:46-50) presents to us the secret of a peaceful life. In this passage, the disciples argued over who was the greatest. It is human nature to want to be the first, and best, in some way. We all aspire in different fields and endeavours to be great. We have the ambition to be the best we can.
But Jesus’ answer to His disciples’ greatness-quarrel was quite different, and probably a little ground shaking: ‘He took a child to him, and put him by his side, said to them, “whoever receives this child in my name receives me…for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” To look at greatness in human world, we look up. We don’t look down. We have figures of people who are rich, educated, and powerful. We check records and achievements. It is the direct opposite of the Kingdom demands. See, Jesus doesn’t need highly educated speeches, and He doesn’t let anyone be defined by how much prestige they have. What He is interested in is the trust and eagerness that you can see in little kids. That is how He wants us to approach Him.
To do great things for God, we must approach Him with a childlike attitude. We can learn a lot from watching little children. Wherever they are, they find a way to enjoy whatever they are doing. They are not driven by negative ambitions. They don’t sit down and plan to destroy another. They are quick to forgive. One moment they are fighting over something, the next moment they are playing happily together. And trusting comes easily to them. So, Jesus is teaching us a number of things: 1) To have simple faith. 2) To avoid negative ambitions. 3) To be quick to repent and forgive. 4) To ask for God’s help and trust Him always 5) To believe that our heavenly Father is good and that ‘the Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right’ (Psalm 84:11). With this kind of simplicity in our relationship with God, we will find ourselves growing spiritually and enjoying Him more than ever. It is the secret of happiness.
Letting go of our own abilities and triumphs, and walking up to God with the openness of a child who has no idea how much He is capable of. That is when He can lead us to our true, max-out capabilities, His way, and for Him. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our world, bless and protect us all through Christ Our Lord Amen. Good morning