From The Deacon’s Desk September 19, 2021

Dear Friends:

Jesus and his disciples are traveling through Galilee. (Mk 9:30-37)He is trying to teach them that he will not be a great warrior king who will crush the Roman oppressors and the Jewish leadership who has been so troublesome for so long. He tries to tell his apostles that he will be handed over to men that will kill him, but in three days he will rise from the dead. They just couldn’t grasp what he was trying to say and Mark tells us they were afraid to ask for further explanation.

Actually, they were arguing about who would be the greatest among them.  Jesus sits down and begins to explain to them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Jesus then takes a child and putting his arms around it says, “Whoever receives a child in my name receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” The Greek word used here for child can also mean servant. In other words, Jesus is saying it is not those who have power, fortune and status but those who can learn to love that will be able to have a close relationship with him and his Father in heaven.

I think we can all agree that to truly love someone and to be loved by someone is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. Jesus embraces a child and tells us that, if we do the same, we will know him and his Father. I don’t think there is a greater sign of one’s love than giving of one’s self to another. Do you?

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim