Saints Peter & Paul Major Seminary
Bodija, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Homilies/Reflections
"If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all"
By Fr. Joseph Iyamah
Tue, 22 May 2018

St. Rita of Cascia

 First Reading: Jas 4:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11, 23

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

  

Jesus, in his teaching today, insists that the proper and correct understanding of the messiah (the Son of Man) is not about fame, greatness and praise, but rather, as one who had to suffer and serve. Jesus particularly addresses the ambitious quest for esteem among the disciples, who were arguing about whom the greatest one amongst them was. We see, in every segment of the church and our society today, the consequences of evil ambition about which Jesus was worried and concerned. Jesus’ presentation of himself and the little boy is to draw our thoughts to the fact that true greatness in the community of believers means rendering humble service to others and putting others before oneself. St. James takes it further by warning us that evil ambition and inordinate desires are incompatible with God’s plan. Be humble and seek heavenly wisdom.

 

Prayer: Lord, we earnestly ask for the grace of humility to serve our brothers and sisters. Amen.

 
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