From the 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.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 9:30-37)
For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 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.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “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.”
As Jesus and the disciples begin a journey through Galilee, Jesus reveals to them that he will be handed over to his enemies, killed, and will rise again after three days. The disciples don’t understand Jesus’ words and begin to focus on their own role and status as disciples. Aware of this and in contrast to it, Jesus teaches them through the example of a child who is present. Children at that time held low social status. Turning a social convention such as this on its head, Jesus emphasizes the place of service, humility, and simplicity over ambitions for personal self-gain. Sounding very much like the recent Gospel readings from John, Jesus says, “Whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” Mark conveys the importance of remaining in Christ with the Father in the exchange of love between them in the Holy Spirit.
God, help me see today the good gifts you place in my midst. In looking out for your gifts, give me the opportunity to put my own interests aside and serve others in the name of Christ. Jesus told the disciples of his coming passion, death, and resurrection, and they failed to comprehend that this would happen to the Messiah, whose transfiguration they witnessed on Mount Tabor. If Christ your Son humbles himself in this way, what is it you ask of me? Let me remember the profound teaching of St. James from the first reading in these few simple words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.