TWENTY- FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

Who Is The Greatest?

INTRODUCTION
Mohammad Ali used to ask: “Who is the greatest?” and the answer he used to
give was: “ I am!” in today’s Gospel we find the apostles arguing over the same
question. Jesus was not pleased with them. He did not want to see jealousy and
false ambition among them. He wanted them to live in peace and harmony. By
the way we act we too often put ourselves first. Thus we antagonize others and
hurt them, causing unrest among those we live with.

INTRODUCTION TO THE READINGS

First Reading (Wisdom 2: 12, 17-20)
This tells how the godless plot to do away with the just man, the man of God,
because his blameless life has become a reproach to them.

Second Reading (James 3: 16-4:3)

Jealousy, ambition, and self-seeking lead to disharmony and fighting.
Gentleness, reasonableness, and mercy lead to peace.

Gospel (Mark 9: 30-37)

The master had been telling his apostles that he must soon suffer bitter
humiliation and death, but they have not grasped what he was saying. Instead
they get involved in petty squabbling over who is the greatest among them.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Let us pray that we may see greatness in terms of serving others after example
of Christ. R. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the pope and the bishops: that they may give an example of humble and
loving service to all their brothers and sisters in the Church. Let us pray to the
Lord.
For all those in positions of authority: that they may put the needs of others
before personal gain and ambition. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all the little ones, those who are on the bottom rung of the ladder and who
spend their lives doing menial jobs for others: that they may realize that they are
close to Christ and important in his eyes. Let us pray to the Lord.

That each of us may be constantly on our guard against selfishness and false
ambition, so that we may be open to God and to others. Let us pray to the
Lord.

For local needs.

COMMUNION REFLECTION

So often we take the service of others

completely for granted.
It is only when the bus does not arrive,
or the paper or the light,
or when the refuse is not collected,
that we realize what others do for us.

One day a woman laid the table

for her husband and children.
She put flowers on it,
but on each plate, instead of putting food,
she put some hay.

“What’s this? Hay to eat?” they cried.

“Oh no, I’m bringing the food soon”, she said,
“But let me just say one thing:
For years I have cooked for you all,
trying to vary the food
rice one day, soup the next,
a chop, a casserole, and so on.
But none of you tell me if you like it.
In heaven’s name say something.
I am not a stone.
I cannot carry day in and day out
without encouragement and recognition”.