GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE

GROW:  How often does ambition get in the way of holiness? In today’s Gospel, Jesus foretells his death, and the Apostles respond by arguing over who among them is most important. But the Apostles’ aspirations and motivation stand in stark contrast to the humility necessary for discipleship; their lack of understanding signals a need for instruction. “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all,” Jesus explains. Those who follow him are to be humble peacemakers who serve others instead of seeking power and accolades. We are to model Jesus, who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross! (Cf., Phil 2:8) Having goals and ambitions is not a bad thing, but they must grow from the seeds of virtue (humility, charity, faith, and hope) rather than as spores of sin (pride, opportunism, and greed). As James wrote in our second reading, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits.” Seeking to serve, rather than be served, then, is the hallmark of faith well-lived.

GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT

GO: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” The path of humility Jesus models for us is not just one of compassion and kindness, but one which allows us to grow in relationship with the Lord. As we serve and attend to each other, we embrace God who dwells within each of us and in whose image we are made. We become more like him in following his example. If we cultivate the virtues of humility, charity, faith, and hope in ourselves by practicing them with our families and friends, we will become souls steeped in God’s peace. Furthermore, our peace will be unshakeable because it will not be based on our emotions but on our faith in God’s love. “Behold, God is my helper,” our responsorial psalm declares. “The Lord sustains my life.” If I am convinced that God sustains my life, what do I have to fear?

PRAY: We can’t live in peace if we don’t turn to God to guide us in peace. This week take 15 minutes every day to pray for peace – in your life, in your family, in our nation, and in the world. When you hear news of war and conflict, take a minute to recite a prayer for peace in the hearts of all those involved.