Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among them concerning which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Reflection

The disciples’ argument about who among them is the greatest reveals a common human desire for status and recognition. Jesus counters this by placing a child, a symbol of vulnerability and humility, in their midst and teaching that true greatness lies in welcoming and serving the least among us. Embracing humility and prioritising service to others over personal ambition aligns us with Jesus’ vision of greatness, fostering a community rooted in love and mutual respect.

When John reports that they tried to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group, Jesus responds, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.” This lesson highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the good works done by others, even if they are outside our immediate circle. Embracing an inclusive attitude towards those who contribute positively to God’s mission encourages unity and collaboration, breaking down barriers that divide us and allowing for a more expansive and effective ministry.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Have patience with all things but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist.

– Saint Frances de Sales

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.