Twenty-fifth Sunday in OT ‘B’

This Sunday’s readings invite us to become great in the sight of God by doing God’s will, as Jesus did, surrendering our lives in service of others.

In the First Reading the passage from the Book of Wisdom sounds like a Messianic prophecy similar to the “Suffering Servant” prophecy in Isaiah. This reading tells us how the world often ill- treats those who strive to live justly and to do God’s will. It refers to Christ’s passion and urges us to choose the path of righteousness in spite of painful consequences, as Jesus did.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, (Ps 54), the Psalmist prays for help against the insolent people who rise against the upright.

The Second Reading is in tune with the dispute among the apostles about who is the greatest, recorded in today's Gospel. Saint James reminds us that, instead of serving one another, we are jealous and envious of one another, we fight and kill one another, and we wage war because we covet others’ goods. James warns us that selfish ambitions destroy peace and cause conflicts in our country, in local communities, Churches and families. He advises us to choose the path of righteousness, which leads to lasting peace.

Jesus, in today’s Gospel, gives us a glimpse of the path proposed by the First and Second Readings - namely, embracing and serving the vulnerable in our midst: the defenseless children, the despairing poor, the terrified, the mentally ill, the marginalized, the disabled, the refugees. True greatness lies in our ability to see and respond to the needs of others, and it leads to compassion and sympathy. The Christian vocation is bearing witness to Christ through service. Jesus teaches His apostles that child-like humility and selfless service make us great in the eyes of God.

Greatness, in Jesus' view, is found in our willingness to accept, welcome and serve with love those who are considered unacceptable and undeserving because of class, orientation, color, religion, poverty or culture. We must welcome people the way a child welcomes them before he is taught discrimination. If we are to be truly great, we must be ready to be the servant of all, to receive the most insignificant human beings with love, and to expect nothing in return. During the holy Mass let us pray for the true spirit of service, for an attitude of love for those around us.