29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

INTRO:
“What is it about wanting to be first?”

I remember (and I am dating myself!!!!!) I would always run to the car BECAUSE I wanted the front seat!!

Also… In school, I always wanted to be the first one seated by the door to answer the door!!!

Playing games…. I wanted to START… I kept track of my brother and sister…. “You were first LAST TIME!!!!!”

What is it about wanting to be first?

Importance?
Position?
Status?
Reputation?

The early church experienced within its members that BEING FIRST MEANT BEING MOST IMPORTANT.

James and John in the Gospel wanted to be first.

They ask to be at Christ’s right and left.

Being first meant for JAMES AND JOHN,
“I made it” ….
“I have prominence.”
“Hey everybody, look at me.”

Why does being first matter to some and if it does, how do we change this because it is obviously NOT what Jesus taught….

A Christian has been taught by Jesus that:
THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST and
The last shall be first.
That is the FOUNDATION for a Christian.
How does that develop in us?

When Jesus does not grant the request of James and John

-he is telling all of us to:

practice humility,
be of service to others, and
have unconditional love for all.

-he is telling us that there is value in REDEMPTIVE SERVICE, not giving orders, not needing to “be in charge” but, service that imitates Jesus reaching out, getting our hands “dirty” so to speak, being involved with the needy, the outcasts, sacrificing ourselves for the good of others, even up to death.

Church members are to become worker bees!

CONCLUSION

Keep asking God daily…how can I serve others today?……. to be His hands, arms, and heart for others while not needing to be HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM or CHOSEN FIRST.

“Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you, will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to give his life for the ransom of many.”