Christian Service
Some theologians like to point out that Jesus didn't come to change God's mind about us but to change our minds about God. In Sunday's Gospel from St. Mark, the brothers James and John ask Jesus to make them first and second in importance in His Kingdom. Jesus answers them by pointing out that it's their ego motivating their request and that it's a much bigger ask than they realize.
Jesus then teaches the apostles His value system, He "didn't come to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many." For Jesus our importance isn't determined by our position or authority but by our service of others.
Our faith teaches us to follow Jesus, trusting that we are His beloved sisters and brothers and like Him to focus on others and their needs. When Jesus entered a crowded room, He didn't look for the most important, the smartest or the most accomplished; He looked for the most hurting, the one who needed Him most. Jesus doesn't ask, "What can this person do for me?" but "What can I give to this person?" Let us ask for the grace to be like our Lord: to give and not to count the cost.
Fr. Ralph Huse, S.J.
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