Dear brothers and sisters, today's readings give us a glimpse into what true greatness in the eyes of God looks like, which is very important considering how intoxicating and generally anti-our spiritual growth is the world’s notion of greatness. It's not about power, prestige, or even success. True greatness, in God’s eyes, is about humility, service, and compassion.
In the first reading, we see the wicked trying to attack the just one, saying that if he is truly the son of God, God will defend him. But what do they want to achieve? They want to test his patience, to see if he's "gentle" and will suffer quietly. This is not what true greatness looks like. True greatness is not about enduring suffering passively, but about using it as an opportunity to show love and kindness to others.
We see an example of this in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. When he was imprisoned by the Perugian lord for preaching without permission, Francis didn't complain or try to escape. Instead, he used his time in prison to pray and reflect on his life. He even wrote a beautiful poem while in prison, expressing his gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve Him.
In the second reading, James warns us about the dangers of jealousy and selfish ambition. When we let these passions control us, we create disorder and chaos in our lives and in the lives of those around us. But when we cultivate peace and humility, we can produce fruit that is pure and good.
We see an example of this in the life of Saint Francis again. When he was dying, he asked his brothers to sing a hymn to Brother Sun and Sister Moon, praising God for His creation. He showed no concern for his own legacy or reputation, but instead focused on praising God and giving thanks for His
blessings. Again, the true greatness God desires to see in us, will always extend its gaze outwards, beyond itself. The self-absorbed, narcissistic attitude which keeps obsessing over self-image and what is being projected to the world, is completely counter this looking outward, beyond itself, so as to help others in need. The more we seek to save our life, the more we will risk losing it, and if we lose our lives for the sake of Christ, we will save it for everlasting life.
Finally, in the Gospel reading, Jesus teaches his disciples about true greatness. He says that if anyone wants to be first, they should be the last of all and serve all others. He takes a child and places it in their midst, saying that whoever receives this child receives Him and the One who sent Him.
This is a powerful message. True greatness is not about seeking power or recognition, but about serving others and being humble before God as is beautifully captured in receiving even a child, being patient, loving and caring towards them. This too is an expression of wonderful service, for notice that children embody that which is vulnerable, fragile and innocent in the presence of God. Saint Francis of Assisi embodied this message in his life. He was known for his humility, kindness, and compassion towards all living creatures but mostly to the most vulnerable and marginalized. He saw Christ in every person and his fingerprints all over creation, and he treated them all with love and respect.
As we reflect on these readings today, let us ask ourselves: What does true greatness look like in our own lives? Let us strive to make it the kind of greatness God can be happy with. After all, he is the only one we should seek to please. Our Lady, Queen of Greatness, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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