What does it mean to be truly great? I think that is the main question that our readings for this weekend call us to reflect on. When we look at the ways of the world, society and culture tells us that greatness comes from power, status, or self-promotion. Yet, Scripture and our faith gives us a completely different vision, one where greatness is not measured by what we gain, but by how we serve, how we live for others, and how we humble ourselves before God.

The Temptation of Selfish Ambition

In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we see the righteous person facing hostility from the wicked. Why? Because his very goodness, his desire to live according to God’s will, is a challenge to their way of life. The wicked plot to test him, to humiliate him, even to kill him. In this, we see a reflection of what happens when that selfish ambition and pride take root in the human heart. The wicked resent anyone who lives with integrity because it exposes their own corruption, it exposes how they are living simply for themselves; it challenges them. This is a struggle we see not only throughout Scripture, but in our world today, a world where standing for righteousness, truth, Godly values often invites criticism and opposition.

We all know how tempting it can be to give in to the ways of the world – to pursue status, recognition, or power – even at the expense of others. But what does that often lead to? St. James in our second reading tells us: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” When our lives are driven by selfishness, we create division and chaos, not only in our relationships but also within ourselves. St. James warns that this way of life then leads to conflict, strife, and spiritual emptiness.

But he also doesn’t leave us without hope. He points us to a different way of life, he encourages us to follow a different path, he invites us to seek wisdom from above. He tells us to seek that wisdom that is pure, peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy. It is the wisdom of humility, of putting others before ourselves, and of seeking peace rather than power. For us as disciples of the Lord, we know that is the true mark of greatness in the eyes of God.

The Way of Humility and Service

Jesus reinforces that in the Gospel. As He’s traveling with His disciples, He tells them once again about His impending Passion – how He will be betrayed, killed, and rise again. But the disciples still don’t understand. Instead, they start arguing about who among them is the greatest. Their focus isn’t on the Lord; their focus is on status and recognition, not on what Jesus is trying to teach them.

When Jesus hears that, He turns their understanding of greatness totally upside down. He tells them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Then He places a child in their midst and says, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.” But why does Jesus do that? What is the point He’s trying to make?

If we think back to the time of Jesus, remember, children were considered the least important members of society – completely dependent on their parents, with no power or status. And so, by using a child as His example, Jesus is showing His disciples that true greatness lies in humility and in caring for those who are most vulnerable and overlooked. It’s not about being first; it’s about being willing to serve others, even when it costs us something.

Living the Path of Righteousness

The righteous person in the Book of Wisdom, the wisdom from above described by St. James, and Jesus’ teaching on service in the Gospel, they all point us toward the same truth: True greatness is found in selflessness, humility, and service. When we live according to God’s ways – when we choose humility over ambition, service over selfishness, love over power – that is when we become truly great. That is how we walk the path of discipleship.

But, as we know, that path is not an easy one. Like the righteous one in the first reading, we will face opposition or even persecution when we stand up for what is right, when we stand up for truth. But the hope that is given to us in Scripture, the hope that we are reassured of in the example of Jesus, is that we are not alone in this struggle. Jesus Himself walked this path before us. He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on the Cross, and in doing so, He revealed the power of self-giving love.

Whenever we embrace this way of life, we are not only following in the footsteps of Jesus, but we are also building a world where God’s peace and justice can take root. And that begins in small ways: by treating others with kindness, by seeking peace in our relationships, by serving those in need, and by humbling ourselves to recognize that all we have is a gift from God.

Conclusion

As we go throughout our week this week, let’s spend some time reflecting more on these readings, and how the Lord is calling us to follow that path of humility and service. Today we are challenged to ask ourselves: What kind of greatness am I seeking? Am I caught up in the world’s pursuit of power, recognition, and success? Or am I striving for the kind of greatness that Jesus teaches? And y’all, be honest about that. Bring that conversation to the Lord. Be transparent with Him and let Him meet you there. Because in doing that, then we can ask for the grace to live according to His wisdom, to purify those selfish desires within us and to help us embrace the way of humility. That is the path to true greatness, a greatness that leads to eternal life in the kingdom of God.

Image: Howe, Henry, Publisher, Henry Howe, Elijah C Middleton, and Elijah C Middleton. Christ Blessing Little Children. 1869. [Cincinnati, Ohio: Howe & Middleton, Henry Howe & E.C. Middleton, No. 118 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017660437/. Public Domain.