Whence does greatness arise? Why did Jesus say that greatness is related to "servant" and "slave"? How does the notion of putting oneself down sit with you as you read the words of Jesus in the gospel for today's liturgy? How easily does the words of this gospel and its essence sink intoo your heart?
Surely for many contemporary people this message of Jesus could be frightening. Imagine telling anyone who has his/her own auto, a closet filled with a variety wardrobe, or a pocket rarely if ever near empty that greatness is measured by the degree to which living is giving ... giving much of oneself ... is a true part of life.
For many Jesus's words "Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant" might bethe first major block of te Lenten journey. With these words Jesus has abandoned any presentation of himself as a leader, a visionery who is afraid of stepping into the roadway of our Lenten journey. These words of the loving Son of God hardly appear or osund lovingl. ghese words make anyone dig beneath the surface. Here is the inevitable experience for anyone looking at how a follower continues as a disciple of Jesus.
So what do these words speak to you? Can you even begin to understand what Jesus is expecting of anyone who follows him? Recently I saw these words "Yes, you are unique ....." That puts the person above others until your hear or read the rest of the sentence: "... like everyone else."
Stop and listen to your heart's reaction to the woreds of the Son of God. Don't gloss over the words. They could be the key that opens doors you never imagined. This is the "unusual" gift from God.
