Mark 9:30-37

Sirach 2:1-11

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,

but he did not wish anyone to know about it.

He was teaching his disciples and telling them,

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men

and they will kill him,

and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”

But they did not understand the saying,

and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house,

he began to ask them,

“What were you arguing about on the way?”

But they remained silent.

For they had been discussing among themselves on the way

who was the greatest.

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,

“If anyone wishes to be first,   

he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,   

and putting his arms around it, he said to them,

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;

and whoever receives me,

receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you sent your Son into the world to establish your reign and bring your children into your kingdom. I earnestly seek your Kingdom and its righteousness. Reign in my heart today, and reign in my family.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Son of Man: When Jesus identifies himself to others, he most often refers to himself as the “Son of Man.” On the one hand, this title means that he is fully human and is a descendant of Adam. On the other, the title refers to a mysterious figure in the Book of Daniel who has both human and divine qualities. In the Book of Daniel, the Son of Man receives dominion, splendor, and everlasting kingship from God, the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13-14). Daniel prophesized that in the time of a fourth kingdom, which we know to correspond to the Roman Empire, the Kingdom of God would be established and entrusted to God’s holy people (Daniel 7:27). Later on, in Daniel 9, we learn that God’s anointed one, the Messiah, would be killed, the Temple would be destroyed, and a New Covenant would be forged (Daniel 9:26-27). These prophecies of Daniel help us to understand what Jesus is foretelling his disciples about his destiny on the way to Jerusalem. From the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus announced the coming of the Kingdom of God. In Jerusalem, when he suffers, is killed, and rises from the dead, he will confer and entrust this Kingdom of mercy to his apostles, disciples, and followers.

2. The Servant of All: As they journey to Jerusalem, Jesus needs to teach his disciples important lessons before his departure. Jesus has already stressed the need for sacrifice and self-denial in everyday life (Mark 8:34-38). Here, he teaches his disciples that, in the Kingdom of God he is entrusting to them, they are to serve with humility. Greatest in the Kingdom is not measured by power or wealth but by humble service. The Kingdom of God will not be for the proud and powerful of this world but will welcome the poor, the humble, the child-like, and the vulnerable. Jesus goes on to identify himself with the humble. He teaches that when we serve and welcome the poor, we serve and welcome Jesus and his heavenly Father. 

3. Fear of the Lord: The Book of Sirach was often given to new converts to the Christian faith as a moral instruction in virtue and character formation. The book teaches that “to fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Sirach 1:14). In today’s First Reading, Sirach aims to instruct a young man who is beginning to seek out wisdom. “The young man is warned that the path of wisdom – which is synonymous with seeking out the Lord – will be difficult and involve trials requiring perseverance” (Bergsma and Pitre, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament, 696). God permits trials, suffering, and temptations in our lives, and these are seen as opportunities for spiritual growth. When we steadfastly endure suffering and “accept whatever befalls” us, this can be transformative. Jesus will teach us that suffering conforms us to his image and unites us to his redemptive work on the Cross. Sirach likens this transformation through suffering to the purification and refinement of gold and silver in fire. When we suffer and are tested, we are to rely on our God, who will reward us when we persevere and pass the test. Those who fear the Lord, i.e., those who live humbly and uprightly, are given four exhortations: wait for the Lord’s mercy, trust in the Lord, hope for good things from the Lord, and love the Lord. When we contemplate what God has done in the past, we see that no one who has hoped in the Lord has been disappointed by the Lord. “Compassionate and merciful is the Lord; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth” (Sirach 2:11). 

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you teach me, through your words and example, true and divine wisdom. I reject the folly taught by this world and embrace the way of your life. Guide me as I seek to respond to the needs of others and serve them.

Living the Word of God: When I look back over the past week in prayer, what acts of humble service stand out? Was the week characterized mostly by selfishness or generosity? What changes do I need to make this upcoming week to serve Christ in the poor and needy?