by Diane Bayne
“You know how among the Gentiles those who seem to exercise authority lord it over them; their great ones make their importance felt. It cannot be like that with you. Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all. The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve--to give his life in ransom for the many.” Mark 10:42-45
Piety
With these words of today's Gospel, Jesus describes the heart of humility--his humility--which we must share if we hope to be his followers. Decisively answering James' and John's request to sit, one at his right hand and the other at his left, Christ leaves no room for doubt about the spirit which is to animate the disciples. They are to follow his example by serving each other and, if need be, by laying down their very lives for each other.
In what areas of my life am I in a position to exercise authority over others? Would they describe my relationship with them as a Christ-like one?
Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/053007.shtml
The request of James and John in today's Gospel is a vivid example of our corrupt human nature – corrupt because, unless we are always on guard, instead of turning toward God we turn toward self. This innate self-focus demands that the rights and welfare of others always come after our own. Of this self-focus St. Francis deSales says, “It will die only a quarter of an hour after we do.”
Humility has been called the foundation of the spiritual life. The lives of the saints show us how they revered this virtue. As time allows this week, pick a saint and focus on the specific ways he/she developed this virtue. What practices of him/her can you adopt?
Action
The example, par excellence, of humility was our own Blessed Mother. In the home at
In what area of your life do you find it hardest to live humbly? Ask Mary to teach you how to live it as she would.
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