25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Bullet Points (Mark 9:30-37)

• While Jesus was predicting his impending death and resurrection, the disciples were discussing who was the greatest among them. Once back in Capernaum, Jesus began to ask his disciples what they were arguing about on the way. The disciples were silent, afraid to answer.
• Jesus then underlines his teaching regarding humble service. He tells his disciples that if anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last and servant of all. Taking a child, Jesus places it in their midst and puts his arms around the child. He tells his disciples that anyone who receives one child such as this receives Him and the One who sent Him (V 37).
• With that, the Lord is trying to imply the qualities that make the child the symbol of those who are the greatest in the kingdom:

1. THE HUMILITY, INNOCENCE, and SIMPLICITY of a CHILD.

2. THE CHILD’S DEPENDENCE.

3. THE CHILD’S TRUST.

• The child’s humility should be the pattern of a Christian’s behavior toward his fellow men, and the child’s DEPENDENCE and TRUST should be the patterns of a Christian’s attitude toward God.