In the realm where divine paths intertwine,
God's ways are not always aligned with thine.
The world may equate greatness with power and gold,
But in God's kingdom, a different story is told.
True greatness comes from humility, from service, from grace,
In God's kingdom, the last shall be first, the first shall find their place.
Children, dependent, trusting, and pure,
Hold the qualities that in us, Jesus wants to endure.
Facing problems with courage, with faith in the Divine,
Not seeking escape, but letting His light shine.
We cast our burdens on Him, in His strength, we trust,
Knowing He will sustain us, He is fair and just.
Let us listen to His word, seek His wisdom, His light,
Apply it to our lives, let it guide our flight.
Rely not on our understanding, but on His alone,
For it is through His love and wisdom, our path is shown.
REFLECTION:
“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
God’s ways are not always our ways. The world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status but in God’s kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others where the last will be first and the first will be last. Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him. We should face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us. Let us always listen to God's work, seek God’s wisdom and understanding and apply it to our lives rather than relying on our own.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We acknowledge that Your ways are not always our ways. In this world, greatness is often equated with power, wealth, and status, but in Your kingdom, true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. Help us to remember that in Your kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.
We strive to have the qualities of children who are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that You want us to have in our relationship with You. Help us to face our problems with courage and faith in You, instead of trying to escape from them. We cast our burdens on You, knowing that You will sustain us.
Let us always listen to Your word, seek Your wisdom and understanding. Help us to apply Your teachings to our lives rather than relying on our own understanding. Guide us, Lord, in all our ways and lead us into everlasting life.
In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
THE SECOND PREDICTION OF THE PASSION /
THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM
Mark 9:30-32 / 33-37
Gospel | Mark 9:30-37
Gospel Acclamation
May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
30 Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. 31 He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 35 Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me."
Background:
The passage Mark 9:30-37 is part of the second major section of the Gospel of Mark (8:22-10:52). This section contains a threefold pattern that appears three times: Jesus predicts his passion and resurrection, the disciples don’t understand, and Jesus then gives the disciples further teachings.
In Mark 9:30-37, there are two distinct episodes. The first is Jesus predicting his death and resurrection for the second time (the first was in Mark 8:31-33)2. The disciples, however, do not understand what he is talking about and are afraid to ask him.
The second episode reveals the disciples’ ignorance. They had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. This argument, juxtaposed with Jesus’ words about his coming suffering, is a display of irony and contributes to the continued depiction of the disciples and Jesus.
This passage furthers the revelation of Jesus’ identity, using the title “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13). It’s important to remember that this entire section in Mark’s gospel is framed at the beginning and end by accounts of blind people who are given sight (8:22-26, 10:46-52). This stark image of going from blindness to sight is a big literary clue. As the blind man is given sight, however gradually, so the disciples, who are blind to Jesus’ mission and identity, are given sight, albeit gradually.
In summary, Mark 9:30-37 is a crucial passage that highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding and Jesus’ patient teaching about his mission and the nature of true greatness in the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and service in the Christian life.
Learning Lessons:
Mark 9:30-37 provides several important lessons for us:
Humility: Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from being humble and serving others. This is a counter-cultural message, as the world often equates greatness with power, wealth, and status. But in God’s kingdom, the last will be first and the first will be last.
Understanding God’s Will: The disciples’ lack of understanding about Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection shows that God’s ways are not always our ways. It reminds us to seek God’s wisdom and understanding rather than relying on our own.
Childlike Faith: When Jesus places a child in the midst of the disciples, He is teaching them (and us) about having a childlike faith. Children are dependent, trusting, and humble. These are the qualities that Jesus wants us to have in our relationship with Him.
Facing Difficulties with Courage and Faith: The passage also teaches us to face our problems with courage and faith in God, instead of trying to escape from them. We can cast our burdens on God, knowing that He will sustain us.
The Importance of Listening: The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest shows that they were not really listening to Jesus’ teachings. This serves as a reminder for us to truly listen to God’s word and apply it to our lives.
These lessons from Mark 9:30-37 can guide us in our daily lives and help us grow in our relationship with God. (Copilot)
Published:
May 21,2024, 11:25 AM