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September 20, 2009 Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (B) Deacon David Shea Wis 2:12, 17-20 X Ps 54:3-8 X Jas 3:16-4:3 X Mk 9:30-37 Ive always thought of myself as a disciple. Im here every Sunday and contribute as much as I can, even when money is tight. I love our Lord, pray to him often. Im involved in my parish and I do what I can to give of myself and help others. Ive worked hard all of my life and earned everything I have. Success has often been in my grasp and I take great pride in my accomplishments. Security has always been important to me, and to be honest, at times Ive been sly and hard. Im a reputable person and I have standing in the community. People look up to me and bring me their problemsit makes me feel important, and, to be honest, I like being the center of attention. Ive made great sacrifices along the wayI often worked until 7 or 8 pm hoping that all the extra hours would mean more money and better promotions. My wife and children barely saw me, but it was the price I was willing to pay. I gauged my life in terms of success. The disciples were like that. Success was on their minds; they saw a great future with Jesus. They were convinced that bigger and better things were in store for them. They were preoccupied with position and power expecting that Jesus would restore Jerusalem to its glory days of old as a military hero and great leader. But instead of talking about greatness, Jesus wants to discuss the most serious thing in his life, his betrayal, suffering, and deathI will be handed over to men and they will kill me. They didnt understand or maybe they just didnt want to understand. Who would want to ask a question about that message? It wasnt the first time that they had turned a deaf ear to him on this subjectthey didnt get it then and they arent getting it now. They wanted to talk about wholl get the top cabinet posts and wholl be the department managers in Jesus administration and he wants to talk about being servants. Theyre worried about winning; about rank and privilege, and hes talking about being last. The communication gap could not have been greaterto Jesus, this had to be heartbreaking. So he took a little child, placed that child among them and said, This kingdom youre all seeking, the place you expect me to take you, well if you want to get there you have to be the last of all. Jesus had a thing for children. They were special to him. He loved to take them in his arms and bless them. He knew how to hold the babies, gently supporting their wobbly necks. Even the toddlers didnt bother him. He loved it when theyd climb up his back and hug him from behind. Hed often had several in his lap and theyd tug at his whiskers. And all the while there was this big smile and look of delight on his face. Children brought out the best in him just as they bring out the best in us. Whenever were with them, we get down on our knees at their level, our eyes meet, their hands explore our faces, our voices change, we sing, laugh, and smile. And for a few wonderful moments, we step out of our world and play in theirs. So Jesus tells his disciples, You see this child . . . who needs to be fed, clothed, washed, taught, and loved . . . the kingdom of heaven belongs to him. You want to know whos the greatest, look herethirty-six inches tall, needing everything and giving nothing. Just look here. Welcome this child and welcome all like himthose without status, influence or income; those who struggle to make it through a day; those who are not important; those who can never pay you back. Welcome them and you welcome me. Welcome the little child, be last, be servant. If thats what being a disciple is really all about, maybe that price is too high. Does Jesus really expect that Ill give up what Ive spent a lifetime getting? Its not like I can let go of my reputation, my status, and portfolio. I cant undo whats already been done . . . and I really dont want to. The message is as threatening today as it ever was and maybe I dont want to get it.
Who is this child that Jesus was talking about? Who do I need to receive? Who are the poor, the weak, the last in line in my life? Some of us have scarce resources and soft or weak voices and others have deep pockets and wield impressive influence. Each of us has to wrestle with this question on our own and for each of us the answer is differentWhat am I doing; is it enough? As much as I may think Im doing, maybe theres someone Im overlooking; maybe theres something Im not doing. When I find myself standing just outside the kingdom, when God asks me to show him signs of my discipleship; when He asks me to show him my elbows, knees, and shoulders, will I have the calluses, the scars and the bruises to prove it? Is it then that Ill finally get it; is it then Ill understand what Jesus was talking about when he said, If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all.
References:
Bergant, Dianne and Richard Fragomeni. Preaching the New Lectionary, Year B. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1999.
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