THROUGH UNTRUE
In a world driven by relentless competition, those who achieve unparalleled success in a particular field are often hailed as the G.O.A.T. (“Greatest of All Time”). In sports, for example, the G.O.A.T. is the athlete with the most records or championships. However, these statistical measures of achievement are neither permanent nor static. As athletes continuously push the boundaries of performance, new ways of measuring excellence inevitably emerge.
Today’s G.O.A.T. can easily become tomorrow’s W.O.A.T. (Worst of All Time). Sustaining the title of “the best” is challenging, especially in the face of new competitors and ever-changing requirements for winning. Often, the G.O.A.T. is burdened by unrealistic public expectations and constant scrutiny. Instead of bringing fulfillment, this status can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.
The lives of many celebrated athletes illustrate this harsh reality. Consider Muhammad Ali, who famously declared, “I am the greatest!” His triumphs were followed by years of personal and health struggles. His battle with Parkinson’s disease, marked by physical and cognitive decline, reminds us of the transient nature of fame and success. Many sports icons, once at the peak of their careers, have eventually been replaced or forgotten.
This pattern isn’t confined to athletes. Many politicians, business moguls, tech innovators, and entertainment stars who once claimed to be the G.O.A.T. have succumbed to dramatic downfalls, eventually fading into obscurity. Their stories highlight the need to align the pursuit of greatness with enduring personal values and principles.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus offers a radical perspective on greatness. He teaches: “Anyone who wants to be the first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This redefinition shifts the focus from self-promotion to selflessness. For Jesus, true greatness is not about wielding power or amassing success, but about serving those in need. He embodied this principle by washing His disciples’ feet, a task usually reserved for servants (John 13:12-15).
By humbly washing His disciples’ feet and ultimately sacrificing His life, Jesus gives us an example of a great leader. His “servant leadership” has become alien to many government leaders who, instead of serving their constituents with humility, honesty, and dedication, use their office to enrich themselves and perpetuate their rule.
In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), often called “the Beatitudes,” Jesus overturns society’s conventional values associated with greatness. He invites us to compete not for worldly status, but for spiritual integrity and ethical living. From this perspective, greatness is rooted in humility, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and peace.
What is particularly revolutionary in Jesus’s teaching is that one need not perform record-breaking feats to be considered great. A teacher who spends extra time helping a struggling student, a neighbor who supports someone in need, a volunteer aiding disaster victims, parents prioritizing their children’s wellbeing, or doctors offering care and concern for their patients—They all exemplify greatness.
Their actions may not make headlines, but they foster a culture of generosity and support that uplifts not just individuals, but entire communities. The ripple effect of kindness shows that a single, ordinary act, motivated by a desire to serve others, can lead to collective greatness.
In one of his Angelus addresses, Pope Francis reflected: “Greatness does not depend on what you achieve, the work you do, or the money you have in the bank. No, no, no. In God’s eyes, greatness and success are measured not by what you have, but by what you give. If you want to follow Jesus, you must follow the path He Himself laid out—the path of service. Our fidelity to the Lord depends on our willingness to serve, especially those who have nothing to give in return.”