First Reading: (1 Peter 1:18–25)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Response: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem.
Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for all.
Alleluia.
Gospel Mark: (Mark 10:32–45)
Reflection:
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, one striking moment stands out:
“When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and his brother John.”
Why were they upset? Was it because James and John asked for something inappropriate, or because the others had not thought to ask first?
It brings to mind a familiar childhood experience. Perhaps many of us remember a family outing when one sibling quickly shouted, “Shotgun!” to claim the front seat in the car. The others became upset-not necessarily because the seat itself mattered, but because someone else got there first.
Ironically, everyone was still heading to the same destination.
In the same way, Jesus teaches that what matters most is not where we sit in glory, but that we are with Him. Even more important is the path that leads there. The road to greatness is not paved with privilege, superiority, or power over others. It is paved with service.
Jesus says:
“Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.”
The Son of God Himself came not to be served, but to serve. Jesus demonstrated this through His entire life, washing the feet of His disciples, healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and ultimately offering His life on the Cross.
Jesus does not merely preach service; He lives it.
To follow Christ means embracing servant leadership. Service often requires sacrifice. We cannot truly help another person without giving something of ourselves, our time, energy, comfort, patience, or attention.
The measure of greatness in the Kingdom of God is humility, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love.
Many people look to saints like Saint Teresa of Calcutta for inspiration in serving others. Yet most of us are not called to extraordinary public missions. Perhaps we are called instead to the “Little Way” of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Her spirituality focused on doing small things with great love. She believed even the smallest action could become holy when done for God. She once spoke about carefully folding napkins at the dinner table as though Jesus Himself were coming to dine.
That is the heart of Christian service.
Every day presents opportunities to serve:
letting someone with only a few groceries go ahead of us in line,
showing patience to an overwhelmed waitress,
holding an elevator door open,
sincerely listening to a spouse, child, or friend,
sharing food with a neighbour,
praying for someone quietly carrying a burden.
These acts may seem small, but in God’s eyes they are powerful expressions of love.
Peter reminds us in today’s first reading to “love one another deeply from a pure heart.” A pure heart is a servant’s heart, a heart like Christ’s.
True greatness does not consist in what we possess or in what position we hold. Greatness is found in how we love and serve others.
Amen 🙏
