Sunday September 22, 2024 – Twenty– fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20, Psalm 54 “The Lord upholds my life”, James 3:16—4:3, Mark 9:30-37

                                                     AMBITIONS
Climbing positions of power will always be the greatest temptation for those who are “too human:” Looking for position, being corrupted by money, influencing the masses. Who can resist the seduction? Following Christ is trans-forming the world, not from positions of power but from the humble service of the lowest positions. This is the Christian’s strength.
 
Brothers and sisters,
1. There are three things that many people place at the top of their values’ scale: wealth, power and pleasure. And to get them they sacrifice everything else. For us, important people are prestigious men and women, who stand out above the others and are applauded by the public. They are the faces we see on TV: political leaders, singers, athletes.
 
Jesus Christ turns this scale of values upside-down: At the top he places humility, poverty and the cross – anonymous men and women, unknown faces who go out of their way in the selfless service to others. They may seem to be the least, but their life is truly great.
 
2. Among those closest to the Master, a discussion arose about “who was the greatest.” Jesus took advantage of the occasion to teach us that he who governs the community commits him to the hardest tasks. “Ministrare” means to serve. Ministry is a radical and real “service”. A minister must be available with all he has and all he is to those he serves. How often do we let ourselves be guided by a human mentality – being greater than others, “getting the spot-light!” This can happen in politics and social arenas, and even in our families and in the Church community.
 
3. Jesus teaches us that we should be the least, available for others, servers and not masters. St Paul took this up as the program for his apostolate: “I have become all things to all” (1 Corinthians 9:21). This includes time, strength, talents and capabilities. Moreover, giving it “to all” means that he adapts himself to the needs of each one, without excluding anyone. It is what Tagore pronounced with true evangelical zeal: “I fell asleep and dreamed that life was joy; I awoke and found that life was service; I served and found that service is joy.” Jesus put it like this, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
 
God’s Law is a true internal rule and lifestyle. Fidelity is what gives the just person the ability to resist the seductions of fads and pagan customs. On the one hand, the presence of a good person gives testimony to others, edifying and encouraging them to do the good. On the other hand, it can also be a silent indictment of contrary lifestyles: for example, materialistic, apathetic to spiritual matters, superficial, unjust and selfish.
 
Brothers and sisters, today when we arrive home, let us exercise our authority with the spirit of service. There are so many small details of service that would make our children happy! From us, they will learn the virtues of living together with humility, generosity, respect, and kindness. Let us give it a try, and we will be amazed at the results. Amen.
 
Source: ePriest.com / Best Practices and Homily Resources for Catholic Priests