God Upholds Our Life

~~~ Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~

 

~~~ Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 ~~~ Psalm 54 ~~~ James 3:16-4:3 ~~~ Mark 9: 30-37 ~~~

 

In today's gospel the apostles are acting like children...as they discuss who is greater.

It seems these men were doing some of their power 'chest beating'...

boasting about their accomplishments and comparing themselves to one another.

 

"If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."

 

Jesus is letting them know that whatever they are arguing

about is of no relevance to him.

He does not care to hear their boasting.

He will not join them in their 'chest beating' exercise.

 

Instead...

Jesus picking up a little child quickly puts them in their place.

 

"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."

 

What can a helpless child boast about?

A child is totally dependent on their parents for everything.

I child must be taken care of and protected.

 

Jesus is saying to the apostles stop arguing among yourselves...

I am all you need.

I will provide for your needs.

What you think you have accomplished will mean nothing in my kingdom.

Stop comparing yourselves to one another;

in my eyes you are equal.

You are created in the image and likeness of God.

 

This is precisely why you have been chosen.

 

"...the wisdom from above is first of all pure,
then peaceable, gentle, compliant,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without inconstancy or insincerity..."

 

The wisdom from above...God...

is childlike in a way...

Gentle, compliant, full of mercy, and good fruits.

Children have this remarkable ability to accept all people.

Children are quick to forgive wrongdoings.

Children are sincere in a pure way.

 

Discontent, jealousy, and comparisons breed unhealthy resentments.

Jesus would not allow these to become diving forces among his apostles.

 

The psalmist reminds us that it is God who upholds our life.