When I was in high school, I was very competitive. As an achiever, I always strive to be the greatest in terms of academics and extra-curricular activities. One subject which I enjoyed and became good at was “Accounting,” which was a part of our Technology and Home Economics (T.H.E.) subject. I aced most, if not all, of the exams, quizzes, and seat works. I was even chosen to represent our school and won in an accounting quiz contest. Because of this, I thought that I was the greatest among my peers and I became overly confident and arrogant.

During our final examination, I decided not to review because I felt confident that I had mastered it. But with a twist of fate, I had difficulty in balancing the given transactions on the exam until the time was up. Most of my classmates finished the exam with a perfect score, and I just merely passed—almost the least.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples were discussing who is the greatest among themselves, it was as if they were trying to seek recognition, position or power in the things that they do, but Jesus replied to them, “The least among you is the greatest.”

The Gospel challenges me to see things through the eyes of Jesus. Power, wealth and achievements do not measure greatness, but it is through giving myself humbly and whole-heartedly to the service of the Church and its people while asking nothing in return. It also challenges me not to seek for recognition or take credit in everything that I do and to always live in the spirit of humility.

By: Sem. Ericson Y. Austria

Today’s Gospel

Lk 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”