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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Least... greatest

Least... greatest

Published Sep 27, 2021 12:05 am

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Reflections today

All through our academic lives and even afterwards, we have been trained to compete with others. At the end of the year, we are given rankings and those at the top are publicly recognized with awards or medals. This can develop a competitive attitude in us which we then manifest in various areas of our lives like work, even in recreation or hobbies. This aspiration to be the “greatest,” more often than not, can result in pride and in condescending attitude. Jesus reminds the disciples who were arguing on who among them is the greatest that our aim rather is to be like a child: to be lowly, dependent, humble. This way, we will not simply brush the poor and marginalized aside but instead learn from them, for true greatness lies in abasing oneself and considering others better than oneself, as St. Paul says in Philippians 2. Humility is a difficult virtue to develop, but we can always start with small steps. How do you treat those who are less educated, weaker, and less fortunate?

GOSPEL • LUKE 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.”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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