Gospel Reflection Sept 22 – Deacon Stephen Petrill
Sunday, September 22
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 9:30-37
Gospel:
Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,
he began to ask them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?”
But they remained silent.
They had been discussing among themselves on the way
who was the greatest.
Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,
“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
“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.”
Gospel Reflection:
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus continues to teach his disciples privately, preparing them for the events of his suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus speaks of His betrayal and death, but the disciples do not understand and are too afraid to ask Him further questions. This reflects a recurring theme in the Gospels where the disciples struggle to grasp the nature of Jesus’ mission. Their fear and confusion reveal their human frailty, but also the profound mystery of the cross, which defies worldly expectations of power and success. Jesus’ prediction underscores the self-sacrificial nature of His mission, something the disciples are not yet able to embrace.
The Gospel shifts, and the disciples argue among themselves about who is the greatest. This conversation is in stark contrast to what Jesus had just shared about his coming suffering. Their focus on status and rank shows how deeply ingrained human desires for power and recognition can be, even among those closest to Jesus. The disciples are still thinking in terms of worldly greatness, misunderstanding the true nature of Jesus’ kingdom. The disciples’ argument serves as a mirror, challenging us to examine our own motivations and desires for recognition, even in our lives of faith.
In response, Jesus takes a child into his arms and declares “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” This statement flips conventional ideas of greatness on their head, showing that in God’s kingdom, greatness is measured not by status, but by service and humility. By embracing the child, Jesus calls his followers to embrace humility, servanthood, and a focus on the least among us. May we become disciples who measure true greatness through loving service and humble submission to God’s will.
Deacon Stephen Petrill