This Sunday’s Gospel reading from Mark has the Apostles walking together discussing among themselves who was the greatest. Jesus calls them and says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Jesus responds with this direct and challenging statement. This is a radical departure from the world’s understanding of greatness, which is often associated with wealth, power, and fame.
Jesus’ message is clear: true greatness is not about self-promotion or self-aggrandizement. It is about humility, service, and self-sacrifice. It is about putting the needs of others before our own and living a life of love and compassion. The disciples’ failure to understand Jesus’ teaching is a reflection of our own struggles with pride and ego. We too can cling to our own ideas of success and importance, and we can find it difficult to let go of our own desires and agendas.
But Jesus’ message is a call to a different way of living. It is a call to embrace humility and service, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to seek not our own glory but the glory of God. Let us pray that we may be open to today’s Gospel message of true greatness, and that we may strive to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
Serving and helping others can be seen as a form of social capital that strengthens communities and promotes a sense of belonging. It involves acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, and can take many forms, such as volunteering, donating to charitable causes, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need. Serving and helping others can foster positive relationships and create a sense of community.
Receiving help can provide much needed emotional support during difficult times. Knowing that others care and are willing to help can instill hope and resilience. Serving and helping others is not only essential components of a meaningful life but part of our Catholic identity of living our faith.
The reason why St. Jude Church is such a loving, caring, and charitable community is because of all of you living your faith and the teachings of Jesus. Last week we heard from representatives of our St. Vincent de Paul Society and all they do for the poor and those in need in our community. We are grateful to them and their sacrifices in volunteering to serve others. Our Parish Outreach team, Karen, Adeline, and our volunteers: Noreen, Walter, Maryanne, Claire, Susan, … . Your donations of food and non-perishables help provide for those in need. Our Knights of Columbus, Rosarians, Columbiettes, Hibernians all serve our parish in so many different ways. And thanks to all of you for all your donations in so many ways: our Sunday collections, the food pantry, the fundraisers, the Catholic Ministries Appeal, and so on. Thank you! Yes, St. Jude is truly blessed. We are a great parish because we serve one another in building up God’s kingdom with humility and love.
St. Jude, pray for us
~ Blessings and Joy,
Fr. Ryan