One great researcher, Brene Brown, in her book, Daring Greatly, poses some questions that I do feel are relevant to our reflection today. She asks; “Are we surrounded by narcissists? Have we turned into a culture of self-absorbed, grandiose people who are only interested in power, success, beauty, and being special? Are we so entitled that we actually believe that we’re superior even when we’re not really contributing or achieving anything of value?" We can also ask ourselves, “Are we surprised to see the disciples of Jesus arguing about who is the greatest among them?"
Many times, we do the same thing. The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Some of us, if not all of us, have the ambition to be somebody whom others admire.
In the Gospel today, as the disciples argue along the road about who is the most important, Jesus redefines greatness for them that it is not found in status or successful acclaim. Rather, it is found in humility, simplicity, and openness of the heart.
Watching that their hearts and desire were set on status, rank, and power in an earthly sense, Jesus places a child next to himself to show his disciples who is really the greatest in the Kingdom of God. We all know children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. For Jesus, the greatest is the one who welcomes a child in his name. Notice that the model is not the child, but the person who welcomes a child. Serving those whom everyone else considers not worth their time or insignificant is what makes a person a great leader, a good parent, and an admirable coworker.
Jesus identifies himself with a child, highlighting the fact that he comes to us in a special way through those without power, status and influence. If we are to be the greatest, we need the humility to be able to serve others. Welcoming the lowly and powerless is equivalent to welcoming Him and God the Father. And as scriptures say, Jesus lowered himself to our lowly nature that he might raise us up and clothe us in his divine nature. If we want to be filled with God’s life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything, which stands in the way; pride, arrogance, entitlement, jealousy, self-seeking glory and vanity. St Paul tells us that God wants empty vessels
so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love. (2 Cor. 4:7)
He touched and healed the lepers, sat and ate with tax collectors and sinners, washed the feet of his disciples, forgave those who betrayed or did harm to him.
We know that his grace has no bounds; it is open to all those who serve others selflessly.
Let's, pray for the grace to rid ourselves from anything that reflects an egoistic or narcissistic nature and allow our love for God to express itself in an eagerness to do good for others in our families, place of work or anywhere we encounter people of God.