SERVICE IS GREATNESS

Wednesday of Second Week of Lent Matthew 20:17-28 “When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers.” The ten other disciples were angry to James and John because (naunahan sila) it is also their dream and desire to sit at the place of honor. Call it selfish request, greedy desire, inappropriate request. Inappropriate because they continue to misunderstand the true nature of Christ’s kingdom and the true purpose of his work. They were looking for the political Savior. They think of Jesus as a Military Messiah. In short, their messianic idea of Jesus is wrong and false. They were expecting of an earthly kingship. Hence, Jesus reminded them “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave”. Jesus in todays gospel is telling us too to aspire to serve not to be served. Desire to be a janitor than being the CEO, wish for being slave than being the king. Aim to be the muchacha than being the seniorita. Life in God’s kingdom means putting others before ourselves. Try not seeking the best seat in the house. Try not aspiring to be the VIP. Try not seeking the honor. Try not wanting the praise of men. Try to have less of self and more of others. Always have this behaviour of “how may I help you? The gospel is indeed very opportune in our modern situation because many of us are very ambitious. So many have the tendency of being “bossy” like lording over their subjects. We always dream of becoming the number one, the most, the great and the best. Friends, the path to greatness is service! Blessings Fr. Jhack