“He began to ask them, “‘What were you arguing about on the way?’ They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” (Mark 9: 30).

Every time I have read that sentence from the Gospel of Mark, I find myself wishing I could change a small part of that sentence. I have to believe that they were not “discussing” anything …..they were arguing about who amongst them was the greatest. And no matter how quiet they may have tried to be, eventually they caught Jesus’ attention. It was then that He brought them to the side of the road; had them sit down; and told them flat out what it means to be first of His followers. And it was by being last of all. It meant being a servant of all. It meant being last of all those he or she may encounter, seeing to the other’s needs; before their own.

Now if this is what it means to follow Christ; can you imagine the reaction of some of our families and friends; our neighbors and the strangers we meet. In today’s society, in parts of our country and elsewhere; the goal is to be number one, numero uno, whether because of wealth; intelligence or power. And there are many who are loathed to give that up.

However, if Jesus is calling us to become the servants of all; we must take that call seriously, and open our hearts to whatever inspiration the Holy Spirit may give us. Whether we are called to small or great deeds, we do so with the help of Christ. Whatever challenges lays before us.

Jesus said, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and and whoever receives me, receive not me but the One who sent me.”