Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Mark 9:30-37               

Mark 9:30-37

Power is a challenge. Maybe a better thought: power is temptation. Behind its allure, at no matter what level or position, are all manner of ugly manifestations of manipulation, deceit, and denigration. Scary isn’t it that even in the discussions of our Lord’s first followers that temptation reared its head. It came through discussions and the attempt, disclosed in our gospel for the week, is that the discussion would be kept from the ears of the Master. No such luck!

“What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road? But they kept silent …” (9:33-34a). Caught. Busted. He knows. He always does. The discussion had been about who would hold the highest position in the coming order. The Kingdom of Christ truly is an upside-down realm. And Christ is at the bottom … and at the top. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be the last of all and servant of all” (v.35). And that in the view of Christ is power.

Jesus goes on to lift up and hold close, a little one. He tells His followers that greatness is measured by reception. It’s not so much a task as it is a state of heart. No surprise there. But humility (greatness) in His kingdom is based on receiving Him. In the guise of a child, in the “small” and seemingly insignificant things, in bowing before your neighbor. This is greatness in the realm of Christ the King. And He not only talks about it. He lives it. Toward us. Every moment.