Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 22 Sep ‘24
XXV Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 2:17-20. James 3:16-4:3. Mark 9:30-37
True greatness
The first temptation that humankind faces in the Bible is: “To be greater than God or to be greater like God.” Cain kills Abel because he wants to be greater than Abel. The people attempted to build the Tower of Babel because they wanted to be the greatest of the nations. Jacob deceives Esau, Joseph’s brothers sell him to the Midianites, the Pharaoh enslaves the people of Israel, Saul becomes jealous of David, David’s sons fight among themselves, Solomon is led into idolatry, et al – all these narratives are revolving around but a single question: ‘Who is the greatest?
This primordial instinct of ‘being the greatest’ has something positive, that is, it pushes us to greater heights, it makes us realize our full selves, and it makes us rise above the ordinary and the mediocre. However, on the flip side, it creates differentiation, demonization, and distortion.
We want to be great because, ‘being great’ attracts other people towards us; all begin to serve us, or people are at our beck and call.
The readings of the day warn us not to fall into the temptation of ‘being the greatest.’
The first reading, from the Wisdom of Solomon, brings before us a conflict between the righteous – those who chose Hebrew wisdom, and the wicked – those who chose Greek wisdom. The wicked want to do away with the righteous because their presence intimidates them. By eliminating them, they want to assert their greatness.
The second reading brings before us a teaching from James, who instructs his Church on the nature of true wisdom. The community indulged in ‘instant gratification’ by being self-centred, forming groups, and disregarding the community living.
The gospel reading puts forth Jesus’ second passion prediction and the narrative that follows.
In the first part, Jesus foretells his death a second time. But his disciples did not understand what he said. They did not take the effort to understand it. In the second part, they argue among themselves who is the greatest.
Jesus takes this as an occasion to teach the value of discipleship. Discipleship entails not wanting to be great but surrendering to being little. Greatness lies in service.
Where does true greatness lie?
1. True greatness through humility and service
In today’s gospel, Jesus redefines greatness for His disciples, who were arguing about who among them was the greatest. Jesus teaches them that true greatness is not found in power or status but in humility and service. “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Jesus models this by placing a child before them, symbolizing vulnerability and dependence. In God’s Kingdom, greatness is measured by how we care for and serve the least among us. The path to greatness is found in loving service to others, especially those who cannot repay us.
2. True greatness requires wisdom and purity of heart
St. James in his letter warns against envy, selfish ambition, and desires that lead to conflict. He contrasts worldly wisdom, which is rooted in jealousy and disorder, with wisdom from above, which is “pure, peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). True greatness comes when we seek God’s wisdom, which purifies our hearts from selfish motives and allows us to act out of love and peace. Our prayers and actions must be aligned with God’s will, seeking not personal gain but the flourishing of others.
3. True greatness is seen in faithfulness amidst trials
The Book of Wisdom presents the righteous one as a target of ridicule and persecution by the wicked. They test him, thinking his faithfulness will falter under trial. Yet, true greatness is found in remaining steadfast in faith, even when we are misunderstood or face suffering. Just as Jesus faced rejection and the Cross, we are called to endure hardships for the sake of righteousness. Our greatness is found in our trust in God and our willingness to walk the path of the Cross, knowing that it leads to resurrection and eternal life.
True greatness is not about earthly recognition or power. It is found in humility, wisdom, and faithfulness to God, manifested in our love and service to others. Through our actions and attitudes, may we reflect the greatness of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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