Reflection for September 26, Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:46-50

Gospel: Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”  

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

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Reflection:

What does a child represent? It represents humility and obedience. 

The disciples were arguing who among them is the greatest. Therefore Jesus brought in a child to impart to them lessons about humility and obedience to the will of God. When a person is humble he doesn’t care about who is the greatest. What he only cares for is to serve never mind if there is no recognition for as long as he is able to serve.  

In the vineyard of the Lord to be the greatest must not be an objective of anyone. The objective that a person should rather have is to be the servant of everyone. When a person aims to be a star in his discipleship for the Lord he also strips himself of the right to serve the Lord. Because how can he be authentic in his discipleship if his motives are not? How can he truly serve the Lord if his objective is to be the star of his group/ministry?  

It’s not for anyone to seek greatness when he is serving in the vineyard of the Lord. It’s for God to bestow greatness and God always bestows greatness generously to those who are humble. Never He bestows it to those who seek it to serve their selfish agendas. – Marino J. Dasmarinas