Reflection
Job 1: 6-22
Psalm 17: 1-7
Luke 9: 46-50
With the conversation amongst the disciples, in today’s gospel, as to which of them would be the greatest, it is rather obvious that they did not get what Jesus was saying. Maybe they were discussing who would be the new leader after Jesus dies, or maybe they were discussing which of them was His best friend…we do not know.
What we do know, is that Jesus takes this opportunity to bring the disciples back to the place where they will be able to understand His teachings. Jesus brings them back to humility. Jesus takes a child and places the child next to Jesus, that is a sign of great respect for the child – being placed next to a leader or owner of the house where people are dining was a place held for someone particularly important to the leader or owner.
Interesting that Jesus used a child. Children rely on their parents to take care of them, there is a particular sense of comfort that comes from the love of a mom or dad. It is that natural sense of humility that allows the child to say “Take care of me.” Humility is the key to reaching out to God and asking Him to take care of us.
Humility is what allows us see God for who He truly is…God…and we are not. Humility allows us to be open to the will of God, seek His direction, and trust that He will take care of us. No matter what, He will take care of us.
This week, what is it you need to turn over to God that you have not done? What is it? What is that decision or part of your life you need to turn over to His will? Spend time with Jesus this week and ask Him to send the Holy Spirit. And in the words of Saint Pope John Paul II: “I plead with you – never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.”
Now go smile at God today!