The least among you is the greatest

Job 1:6-22, Lk. 9:46-50. Today's first reading presents an imaginary debate, where Satan argues with God about the level of human endurance. Thus, God allows Satan to test poor Job in all kinds of ways, destroying first his property and then taking away his sons and daughters until Job is left desolate. Later in the narrative the wife appears but her bitter words offer him no consolation. Alone, yes; but still aware of God and blesses Him: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” The underlying message of Job is that we cannot control life as though we were God. Children quarrel, yes, but they quickly make up again.

Today's Gospel presents us with two scenes of envy and pettiness where the disciples argues: “Which of them was the greatest.” Jesus turns to children and says to welcome a child is to welcome Him and: “The least one among you is the greatest.” The child was no symbol of greatness in the sight of the world, but a symbol of weakness and vulnerability. Jesus identifies with the little ones, to whom the world gives no status. In wanting to be the greatest, the disciples were way off the mark. The point is that God’s values not those of the world. Like the rivalries of those disciples, we can sometimes be egotistic in our ambitions. We need to remember God’s values as it is made clear to us by His blessed Son, Jesus.

May the Lord open our eyes so that we can see the way God sees, enlighten our inmost heart and guide us through the storms of life and keep us near to Him! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive week!!