We hear about the discussion of the disciples on the way to Caesarea Philippi arguing who among them is the greatest. We might call this aspiration towards greatness, “ambition.” Ambition is not bad. It can motivate us and energize us to do great things for ourselves and others. Ambition can drive students in school to achieve honors which may lead to future success in their adult lives.
One could imagine Peter saying he is the greatest because he identified Christ as the Messiah whereupon Jesus called him “the rock” and promised to build the Church upon him. Perhaps John thinks that he is the greatest because he is referred to as the “beloved disciple.” The apostle Philip may consider himself the greatest because Jesus consulted him in the desert when there was a need to feed the crowd of five thousand. Even Judas may see himself as the greatest because as the treasurer he controlled the money and money carried much influence. If the goal of attaining greatness is to use it to share Christ’s message, we can agree that this is a good thing.
To Serve the Least
Yet our intention in the pursuit of greatness can be disordered. Greatness is not understood as lordship over others. It is not using one’s position to suppress others and boost one’s ego. It is using one’s position to serve people, especially those less privileged. Little wonder then, that Jesus placed a child in their midst to convey this message. The child is a symbol of those who depend on others to see to their needs and who cannot help themselves nor reward us for our care. True greatness lies in the service we render to the less privileged. Jesus would say “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me.” Mother Teresa advised her sisters not to be successful, but to be faithful. Faithfulness to our vocation to love God and our neighbor is what matters in this life.
To Serve with Love
One can be in a high position and still not have a successful and faithful life. There are many seemingly successful people in high positions, who are not able to accomplish their purpose in life. Faithfulness to the vocation of love is the key to happiness. I personally witnessed that happiness when I was a chaplain in the teaching Hospital Orlu. I was among those criticizing the state government for paying nurses and doctors a very meager salary, while burdening them with tedious work. One day I approached a doctor and said to him, “Doctor, God knows that you people are doing much more work than the amount of salary you receive.” To this he replied, “Father, if God knows that we are doing more work, that is enough for me. That is the secret of my happiness at work. And that happiness makes my job satisfying.”
The saint of today, St Vincent de Paul, also experienced great satisfaction in taking care of the poor and less privileged. Let us ask Jesus to purify our intentions. And the intentions of all those who are vying for a position of honor in the world. So that our greatness is realized by serving others.
