TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
25 FEBRUARY, 2025
Mark 9:30-37
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.
For 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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this Gospel passage, Jesus teaches His disciples an important lesson about true greatness in the Kingdom of God. As they travel through Galilee, Jesus again predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection, but the disciples do not understand and are afraid to ask Him. Instead, they argue among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus, knowing their hearts, calls them to a radical redefinition of greatness. We are challenged to examine our understanding of success, power, and recognition. The world often teaches us that greatness is about status, wealth, and influence, but Jesus turns this idea upside down. True greatness is found in humility, in serving others selflessly, and in embracing the lowly and the vulnerable. Just as Jesus embraced the child—a symbol of dependence and humility—He calls us to do the same, welcoming those who cannot offer us anything in return.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us through Your Son what true greatness looks like. Help us to let go of pride, selfish ambition, and the need for recognition. Instead, fill our hearts with humility and a servant’s spirit. Teach us to welcome and care for the least among us, just as Jesus embraced the little child.
Lord, when we seek to be first, remind us that true honor comes from serving others. When we struggle to understand Your ways, give us the courage to ask, to seek, and to trust. May our lives reflect the humility and love of Jesus, bringing glory to You in all we do. We pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen
