Skip to main content

28 The Good Son


Gospel
Luke 9:46-50
The least among you all is the greatest

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to , ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’
    John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’


 Reflection 
The disciples’ argument reveals a universal human struggle: the desire for status and recognition. Jesus subverts this worldly ambition by elevating a child—a symbol of the powerless and "least" in society. He teaches that true greatness is not found in rank, but in the humility of welcoming those who can offer nothing in return. Furthermore, Jesus corrects John’s exclusionary zeal, reminding us that God’s grace is not confined to our specific circles. To be truly great is to embrace a spirit of service and to recognize Christ in the marginalized, letting go of the need for elitist boundaries.

Reflection Question
In what areas of my life am I seeking "greatness" through status or competition, rather than through humble service to those I consider unimportant?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me the way of the child. Help me to seek not the highest place, but the heart of a servant. Open my eyes to recognize your presence in the small and the overlooked, and soften my heart to welcome all who work in your name with sincerity. May I find my true worth in being yours alone. Amen.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The kingdom of God is among us

Gospel Luke 17:20-25 The kingdom of God is among you Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’     He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.’ Short Reflection In this passage, Jesus redirects a fundamental human and religious question: "When?" The Pharisees are looking for a timetable, a visible political or cosmic event. Jesus' answer is startling. He says the Kingdom of God is...
Post a Comment
Read more

17 The Rich Man

Gospel Matthew 19:16-22 If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.  Reflection This passage challenges us to look beyond mere religious compliance. The young man lived a moral life, yet ...
Post a Comment
Read more

No respect for Christ or John

Gospel Matthew 11:16-19 They heed neither John nor the Son of Man Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘What description can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: “We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t be mourners.” ‘For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’ Short Reflection Jesus paints a picture of a generation that refuses to be pleased, not because the message is flawed, but because their hearts are closed. They found fault with John the Baptist's asceticism, calling him possessed, and they find fault with Jesus' approachability, calling him a glutton. The problem is not the style of the messenger, but the unwillingness of the audience to respond to...
Post a Comment
Read more