Gospel LK 9:46-50
An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”
Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Reflection:
There are two lessons in today’s gospel.
The first has to do with leadership. The second with tolerance.
Clearly, the disciples were not born saints for,
“An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.”
Looking into “the intentions of their hearts,” Jesus took a child and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
Once again we see that the ways of God are often opposite of those of men. Human nature would have it that the strongest, the most bold among us be chosen as a leader.
God view it very differently. It might be the mildest, gentlest person that is willing to serve and sacrifice for the sake of others who is favored in God’s eyes.
“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your personal example of service.” – – Unknown
Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
I once gave a talk about the works of My Brother’s Keeper to another Christian organization that provides similar services to people in need.
At the conclusion of the talk, the leader of the organization approached me and asked, “Jim, I think it’s wonderful that you give the people you help a crucifix at the conclusion of the delivery with the message: We’re just the delivery people. This is the man who sent you the furniture. Would you mind if our organization adopted that practice and gave a crucifix to the people we help?”
I replied, “That would be fantastic. The more crucifixes we give out, the better. I’d be happy to connect you with the the person who supplies us with crucifixes.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
We cannot take God captive.
The work of God is not ours exclusively.
Along with all other Christians, we are entrusted to bring “the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those we serve.”
“We become less when we don’t include everyone.” – – Unknown