💖 HOMILY - SEPTEMBER 30 💖

First Reading - Job 1:6-22

Gospel - Luke 9:46-50

We all want to be appreciated and acknowledged. What does acknowledgment give us? It gives us pride and a sense of importance. This pride and sense of importance show that we are better and greater. Our inner desire for greatness and superiority needs consideration. Today's readings show that we gain real recognition and acknowledgment from God and through our association with Him.

The first reading recounts the story of Job. Job stands as a righteous person before God. He is reckoned righteous because of his faithful association with God. Job acknowledges that all he has is from God, reflecting his humility before Him. Job's humility is further tested by Satan, as God allows Satan to challenge Job. The test was for Job to acknowledge God even in the midst of misfortune and misery. Job passes the test. He remains faithful to God and doesn't question Him even after the loss of his fortune and children, but instead acknowledges God's wisdom in his life. He still believes that there is no greater fortune for him than remaining faithfully connected to God.

The Gospel, contrary to the first reading, mentions the argument among the disciples about 'Who is the greatest?' Jesus uses this opportunity to teach the true identity of a disciple. He explains that the real greatness of a disciple lies in their relationship with Him. Jesus illustrates this with the example of a child, saying: "Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me...." In Jewish society, a child, apart from their parents, had no identity or recognition. This means that a disciple is to be like a child, with no desire for personal identity or recognition, but instead drawing their identity and recognition from Jesus. The greatness of a disciple lies in being fully identified with Jesus.

Another example of the assertion of superiority and greatness is seen in John's statement to Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name and their attempt to stop him. Jesus responds by advising them not to assert their superiority over others, as those casting out demons are also on their side. This means they are also followers of Jesus.

Dear friends, it is always our human desire to be better and greater than others. As Christians, today's readings teach us that our greatness and importance lie in our relationship with God. Job is a beautiful example of understanding the importance of remaining connected to God, no matter the circumstances. Job realizes that who he is and what he has are all gifts from God, and they are insignificant without God's presence. It is our faithfulness to God that makes us complete. The disciples, in the Gospel, wanted to assert their greatness apart from Jesus and on their own. Jesus teaches them that a disciple's identity comes from their Master, and it is in this relationship that they find their greatness. At times, we too may aspire to assert our greatness and glory apart from God, but today's readings remind us that as followers of Christ, our greatness is in Christ, through Christ, and from Christ. 

May God help us become His true followers.