Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 25 February ’25. Who is the Greatest?

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 25 February ‘25

Seventh Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday

Sirach 2:1-11. Psalm 37. Mark 9:30-37

Who is the Greatest?

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus announces His suffering, death, and resurrection for the second time. However, His disciples once again fail to understand. Instead, they are caught up in a debate about who among them is the greatest.

The desire for greatness

It is natural for humans to have an inner drive for greatness. We often want to be recognized as better than others in some way—whether through our personality, appearance, education, wealth, social status, profession, caste, language, or achievements.

However, we must distinguish between self-worth or self-esteem and self-exaltation: Self-worth comes from within. Simply by being who we are, we recognize our inherent dignity.

Self-exaltation, on the other hand, is external. It is based on comparison with others and seeking validation from them. When others fail to acknowledge our worth, we feel discouraged and insecure.

Jesus teaches three ways to overcome the desire for status

1. The first must be last

Jesus teaches, “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last of all.” At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. If everyone tries to be last, who will be first? If a hundred people stand in a line, someone will still be at the front, and someone at the back. Even if the order is reversed, someone will still be first and last. So, what does Jesus mean? To be last does not mean simply moving to the back—rather, it is a mindset. It means detaching from our ego, titles, and external identities and instead focusing on who we truly are. This humble mindset is what makes a person truly great.

2. Servant Leadership

Jesus calls His disciples not to seek power but to serve. The Greek word used here means “to be a slave.” A slave does not insist on his own way—he submits to the master’s will. Likewise, a true leader must put aside personal interests and prioritize the needs of others. True greatness lies in servanthood—a willingness to set aside personal pride and serve others selflessly.

3. Embracing the Child

Jesus places a child in front of them and says, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” We find it easy to respect those who are powerful, wealthy, or influential because we can gain something from them. But a child can offer nothing. To accept a child is to embrace pure love, without expecting anything in return. If we could view everyone as a child—not expecting them to be useful to us but simply valuing them for who they are—our relationships would be transformed.

First reading: A call to embrace trials

Today’s first reading (Sirach 2:1-11) encourages accepting trials with patience and perseverance.

The author calls us to trust in God, just as children trust their parents. This message complements the Gospel: just as a child does not question, we too should accept life’s challenges with faith and humility.

What can we learn today?

True greatness is found in humility. It is not about being ahead of others but about being detached from status and titles. A true leader serves others. Leadership is not about authority—it is about serving with humility. Welcoming others as children makes life simpler. If we accept people without expectations, we free ourselves from comparison and competition.

May we embrace humility, serve others selflessly, and live with childlike simplicity!

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy