Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Dindo Santiago SVD – Japan
Monday 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Have you seen the movie “The Greatest Showman” starring Hugh Jackman? Have you read the book “The World’s Greatest Salesman” written by Og Mandino? Are you old enough to have watched the TV series “The Greatest American Hero” shown in the early ‘80s? Who for you is the greatest athlete of all time?
Incidentally, what does it take to be called “The Greatest”? Greatness in our society is often equated with accomplishment, fame, power, success, physical strength, among other things. In this competitive world, to be the greatest is to be above all others, to be on top of the list. The greatest persons would carve out a niche for themselves and would definitely go down in history, even glorified with labels such as “___ the Great.” But in reality, this path to greatness can prove to be tough and challenging, such that in some cases, attaining it would even go to the point of trampling somebody underfoot.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus, upon realizing the intention of their hearts, challenges his disciples’ idea of greatness as he asserts, “the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Challenging their idea meant challenging their truth, their value, their authenticity as disciples of the Lord. It is a purification process that would lead them to accept the weak, the oppressed, the discriminated, the persecuted, and those who seek the Lord and work in his name.
Often we would rather be associated with the accomplished, the famous, the powerful, the successful, the strong as if building our own greatness from them. The symbolism of the child is indeed a powerful message. True greatness is drawing strength from the Father in our weakness, trusting completely in the Father with a humble heart, and a and acknowledging our total dependence on the Father with meekness.
