In Recognising and Pursuing TRUE Greatness 

HOMILY: Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Mark 9:30-37

19 September 2021 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

A friend once chanced upon a social media meme with a picture of two women who are sitting on the floor each busy writing something in textbooks that lie open on their laps. They are discussing about their dreams for their children. The first woman said: “Mare, kailangan maging duktor ang anak ko paglaki niya para makatulong sa maysakit.” (Pal, my son must become a doctor so that he can help those who are sick.) The other woman answers, “Balang araw ang anak ko magiging engineer! Kaya dapat galingan na natin ang pagsagot sa assignments nila….” (Someday, my son will become an engineer! So, we better do well in answering their assignments…) Funny but very sad at the same time. I do not know if you have also read about “Online Kopyahan” in the news. It is a Facebook Group Page with 700,000 followers allegedly used by students to cheat on online learning tests and exams. The page is filled with posts of test papers and questionnaires with answers on various subjects. This is indeed quite alarming! 

In today’s Gospel passage, the disciples are squabbling over “who is the greatest” among them. While Jesus is speaking of His impending suffering, death and resurrection, the disciples are themselves engaged in a heated discussion about status within the community. However, instead of reprimanding them as Jesus did with Peter on last Sunday’s Gospel, this time Jesus seizes the opportunity to teach them what true greatness is: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) This idea of greatness is in total contradiction to everything that the disciples perceive greatness to be. As disciples, they have indeed much to learn from Jesus. 

To illustrate His point, Jesus calls in a child. Amidst the bickering of the disciples over greatness, Jesus says, “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.” (Mark 9:37) The child here represents those persons in society who have no power, no status, no influence whatsoever. They are the helpless, the neglected, the powerless among us whom the followers of Christ are called to minister to. When we accept, when we welcome such persons, Jesus says, is tantamount to welcoming Him. To “welcome” means to respect and to serve, in the way a host welcomes a guest with so much attention and care. Jesus showed them that the way to Christian greatness is simple: when we sincerely work for the wellbeing of others in need. To be of service to others is to pursue greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Just recently, John Arcilla, a Filipino actor, won with high honours for his acting talent in the Venice Film Festival. He is the first Filipino actor to win such an award. He even bested the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor who plays Marvel’s Dr. Strange. Despite his achievement John chooses to remain humble, saying… “I simply believe that no human being can live and survive without keeping their feet on the ground. I am a human being. I cannot be anything else.”

Many of us, even those who profess to be Christians have difficulties accepting Christ’s view of greatness. For us, greatness necessarily means being first, being on top, being in control or having people doing what we want them to do. It is no surprise then that there are some of us who want to be in positions of authority at all costs. They would even dare cheat their way into winning because of the perceived privileges that accompany these posts. The essence of authority which is first and foremost bestowed for the purpose of service is easily forgotten and taken for granted. It is indeed disheartening when those who take the reins of the community or a country get lost in their power and influence; when they forget the value and essence of humble public service in their leadership. This selfishness results to all kinds of corrupt practices and a neglect of the common good. 

Jesus is saying otherwise, true greatness is in being the servant or slave of all. A friend of mine who is frustrated about politics in the country told me, “Father, I think the priests need to be more emphatic and specific about the candidates we ought to elect in the coming elections.” How am I supposed to answer that without being accused of partisan politics? I believe if we take seriously what the Word of God tells us, we would find enough guidance in choosing the kind of our leaders who emulate the ways of Christ. In the Second Reading (James 3:16 – 4:3), St. James contrasts two styles of behaviour: the way of the foolish and the way of the wise. The former is characterized by jealousy, selfish ambition, while the latter (as it is motivated by wisdom) generates harmony, peace and goodwill among peoples. 

In closing I would like to invite you to picture St. Teresa of Calcutta. She was given a state funeral by the government of India. She was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her greatness, which she probably did not dream of nor want for herself. She was recognised for giving herself to the very lowest, treating them as brothers and sisters and living close to them. She and countless others are given as examples and inspiration to all of us to pursue true greatness in the way of Christ. The only sure way to recognise Christian greatness is to follow those who serve. May the Holy Spirit help us to recognise and to pursue true greatness.