Luke 9:46-50 NRSVue
46An argument arose among them concerning which one of them was the greatest. 47But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side 48and 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.”
49John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
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Reflection on Luke 9:46-50
Inspiration from 2024-09-30 Daily Prayer
Children have much to teach us about trust and honesty and can embarrass us in our shortcomings. May we know what is truly great and have the humility to be guided by it, as the little ones whom the Lord loves.
Artificial divisions are evident in life. Distinctions are made that are not helpful. Lord, it is you who call us together. May we find our unity in you and not be separated by little things of no enduring value.
Further reflection
Jesus turns everything on its head. For him the Kingdom of God is the only absolute value. The creative power of the Holy Spirit is active in every person, even in those who belong to no Christian denomination. Can I rejoice in that? ‘In the evening of life we will be examined in love’ (Saint John of the Cross).
What makes a person great? Is it power, or wealth, or skills, or beauty, or giftedness of one kind or another? In the Kingdom of God greatness is judged by one’s capacity to serve others. So it is the little people of the earth, those who serve the rest of us, who turn out to be the greatest! Will I be considered great in God’s Kingdom?