The Greatest Shall Serve

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 8:50 pm Post subject: The Greatest Shall Serve

The Greatest Shall Serve

Scripture:

Let us therefore lie in wait for the just, because he is not for our turn, and he is contrary to our doings, and upbraids us with transgressions of the law, and divulges against us the sins of our way of life.

Let us see then if his words be true, and let us prove what shall happen to him, and we shall know what his end shall be. For if he be the true son of God, he will defend him, and will deliver him from the hands of his enemies. Let us examine him by outrages and tortures, that we may know his meekness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a most shameful death: for there shall be respect had unto him by his words. (Wisdom 2:12, 17-20)

For where envying and contention is, there is inconstancy, and every evil work. But the wisdom, that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, without dissimulation. And the fruit of justice is sown in peace, to them that make peace.

From whence are wars and contentions among you? Are they not hence, from your concupiscences, which war in your members? You covet, and have not: you kill, and envy, and can not obtain. You contend and war, and you have not, because you ask not. You ask, and receive not; because you ask amiss: that you may consume it on your concupiscences. (James 3:16 ? 4:3)

And he taught his disciples, and said to them: The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise again the third day. But they understood not the word, and they were afraid to ask him.

And they came to Capharnaum. And when they were in the house, he asked them: What did you treat of in the way? But they held their peace, for in the way they had disputed among themselves, which of them should be the greatest.

And sitting down, he called the twelve, and said to them: If any man desire to be first, he shall be the last of all, and the minister of all. And taking a child, he set him in the midst of them. Whom when he had embraced, he said to them: Whosoever shall receive one such child as this in my name, receives me. And whosoever shall receive me, receives not me, but him that sent me. (Mark 9:30-37)

Reflection:

The wicked assume death to this world is the conclusion of life, but they fail to comprehend the life to which the faithful are resurrected or the life to which the immoral descend. It is for this reason the wicked did not see the power unleashed from the cross or how the Father would bless the Son. The wicked do not comprehend that the pain of this world is but for a moment or that what they inflict will be returned to them to endure throughout eternity. The wicked do not see these things for they do not see as God sees, but as the world sees.

The challenge for the children of His creation remains within the desires of the world. It is through the passions of selfishness, egoism, arrogance and the worship of possessions which drive people to sin. Through the darkness of evil, their heart is blinded to the consequences of what they do and the harm they bring to those who surround them. They rationalize that they should not be denied fulfillment of their worldly cravings; but what they do not realize is what is lost in the endeavor to fill the endless void of selfishness.

Those with hearts where love is absent do not comprehend the path to peace. They do not understand the blessings of charity and love. They consume, but are never satisfied. They believe death and destruction will bring the end of conflicts, but they fail to see that all which is sown by violence is the exchange of injustice for injustice and that which only feeds continuing tragedy. Those consumed with hate sow destruction and annihilation, while those whose hearts are led by Him sow faith, hope, charity and peace.

Those with hearts which know love are able to see beyond the darkness of hate, corruption and violence. Through their selflessness, they are able to reach out to those who are in need. They are able to bring forth blessings to those who surround them. They are able to give and minister in charity. They are able to forgive and build foundations for peace. Through their efforts in ministry, they are able to fulfill His commandment to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34-35).

It is the way of people to be competitive in what they do. There is nothing wrong with the desire to compete and achieve, but as with any desire, it is the excesses, the means and the ends which tempt and divert people from that which is right and just. It is pleasant to be recognized for our efforts, but if we are only motivated by our search of gain and praise, we taint the meaning of what we do. Our works should come forth from us for the good we may accomplish, not so that others will become indebted to our charity or praise our self-perceived superiority.

God has granted each of us talents and gifts so we may work in community to fulfill His commandments of love. We should not boast of our talents in arrogance, rather we should give praise to Him for enabling our abilities to do His will (1 Corinthians 4:7). If what we do is for position and fame, we will be tempted to corruption; but if what we do is for His glory, we will keep in perspective the meaning and blessings of what He has granted to us.

It is for this reason that Christ brought forth a child, one who is innocent and defenseless, and told His disciples that if they desire to be great in heaven, they must serve those such as these. Our motivation must not be for position, power, fame or riches; for this is not the reason God placed talents within us, rather it is to serve and enable those to whom we minister and with whom we work. God will see the purpose to which we put His gifts and He will know the motivation of our hearts. If we are focused upon His Word and living by what is right and just, we will avoid the temptations which yield corruption of our hearts and our souls as well as that which separates us from God.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier