The theme of the sequela Christi continues in the Gospel reading of the 25th Sunday (OT B) and is applied to the topic of "Greatness". The Christian community that has not seriously taken into consideration the Lord's teaching on true greatness would be like the community James describes in the second reading: there is disorder and every foul practice (see James 3:16-4:3). Read the relevant article for this Sunday here and use the following for your reflections.
1. The disciples continue their instruction from the Lord on the theme of the Cross and Suffering Servanthood. While he talks about himself, he also talks about what his disciples should be. Jesus' self-understanding has relevance for those who wish to be associated with him. What He is, that they will be. His cross and resurrection is intimately tied up with the cross and the eternal life the disciple yearns for. As Jesus' way to the Father will be characterized by self-emptying and the humility of the cross (see Phil. 2:6-11), so too, the disciple's way to God will be that of self-denial and humble service.
Reflect: When we were baptized, the priest put the mark of the cross on our foreheads. We have become united to the death of the Christ. From that moment on, the cross has become the trajectory of our existence; this will be fulfilled at our death beds -- the summary of all our dying to self. Seen from the perspective of death and our union with the death of Christ, what would "greatness" mean for you?
2. There are people who in the process of becoming "No. 1" find out too late in their lives that in their passing they have caused a lot of grief. The Lord reverses the order of greatness that we know and he puts the premium on "the last" and "the servant" instead of on "the first" and "the top-man/woman".
Reflect: Knowing where you are and how you got there, would you accept the words of the Lord at their face value? What does being "last" and being a "servant" mean for you in your state of life?
3. Prominence is normally associated with the circle in which one moves and the connections one has. The Lord changes that: he wants his disciples to welcome the nobodies, those whom the respectable society easily forgets.
Reflect: Who are the people with whom you associate yourself ? How have you "accepted" the Lord and the One who sent Him?
