SOCL, Sunday25B
- Admin
- Sep 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Sunday September 22, 2024
Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.
See
Jeremiah, who knew a thing or two about the human condition, wrote: The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse— who can understand it? (Jer 17:9) A healthy introspection (it need not be introversion!) is essential, if we are to become free from inherited drives and free for service.
Listen
Reflect
(Mark 9:30-37)
-Jesus uses the time they are traveling along the road to teach his disciples what it means to be one of his followers. Think of the wisdom you have acquired about life, about faith, about what it means to be a Christian. Who have been your teachers? Remember them and give thanks for them.
-One of the lessons Jesus gives them is that there is a dying to be endured as we move to a fuller life. That was the road he would travel. It is also our journey, not only at the end of this earthly life, but also in small ways through life. When have you found that by dying in some way you came to a fuller life?
-Achievement, affirmation, recognition and status are attractive and enjoyable when they come our way. Yet we can be in trouble if, like the disciples, we become caught up in pursuit of them. Jesus tells them that true greatness lies in service of others. What has helped you to appreciate the value of loving service of others? When have you experienced the service of others to you?
Pray
O God, protector of the poor and defender of the just, in your kingdom the last become first, the gentle are strong, and the lowly exalted. Give us the wisdom from above, that we may find in your servant Jesus the pattern of true discipleship and the grace to persevere in following him, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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