HOMILY FOR THE 25TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY FOR THE 25TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: SERVE TO BE FIRST
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 / James 3:16-4:3 / Mark 9:30-37
Imagine you’re on a journey, driving down a highway that twists and turns. Suddenly, your GPS reroutes you, taking you off this road and onto a scenic byway. You leave behind the quick route and find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views, national parks, historic towns, and other hidden treasures. That’s what Jesus does in today’s gospel text (Mark 9:30–37).
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Jesus completely reroutes his disciples’ understanding of what it means to be great. He takes them off the fast track of chasing power, prestige, and popularity and redirects them onto a different path—one of humility and service. No longer is greatness about climbing the corporate ladder, having a fancy title, or racking up social media likes and followers.
The evangelist Mark tells us that Jesus and the disciples were going to Jerusalem for Passover. During this journey, Jesus prophesied to them three times the fate awaiting him in Jerusalem (Mark 8:31; Mark 10:33-34; Mark 10:32-34). But the disciples didn’t understand what these prophecies meant and were afraid to ask him; instead, they were busy arguing among themselves who was the greatest.
When they arrived at Capernaum and entered the house, Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” (Mark 9:33). However, they remained silent. Knowing that they were arguing over who was the greatest, Jesus tells them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
Jesus employs the ancient Greek term “diakonos,” which means “servant” or “minister.” “Diakonos” was about anticipating the needs of others (Matthew 20:26, John 2:5) and acting on behalf of another (Romans 15:25, 1 Corinthians 3:5).
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus’ mother demonstrated the “diakonos” spirit by anticipating the hosts’ needs when the wine ran out. She turned to Jesus for help, showing trust in his ability to serve (John 2:3-5). Her instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:3-5), highlights Jesus as the ultimate servant (diakonos).
In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, “I am on my way to Jerusalem in service (diakonos) to the saints there” (Romans 15:25). He acts on behalf of others, demonstrating selfless service.
The ancient Greek term “diakonos,” which means “servant” or “minister,” serves as the foundation for Jesus’ teaching on servanthood. This concept encompasses two key aspects: anticipating the needs of others (Matthew 20:26) and acting on their behalf (Romans 15:25, 1 Corinthians 3:5).
Jesus’ mother exemplifies the “diakonos” spirit at the wedding in Cana. Noticing the wine shortage, she anticipates the hosts’ needs and trusts Jesus to help (John 2:3-5). Her instruction, “Do whatever he tells you,” highlights Jesus as the ultimate servant (diakonos), demonstrating obedience and surrender.
Paul’s letter to the Romans illustrates “diakonos” in action. He writes, “I am on my way to Jerusalem in service (diakonos) to the saints there” (Romans 15:25). By acting on behalf of others, Paul demonstrates selfless service, reflecting Jesus’ teaching.
Imagine entering a restaurant and encountering John, an exceptional waiter. Before you even ask for water, John has already filled your glass. Before you order, he anticipates your questions about the menu. Throughout the meal, John attentively listens and serves with a smile.
John embodies the words of Jesus, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). He anticipates your needs without asking you. He acts on behalf of another by representing the restaurant and ensuring your dining experience is excellent. That’s the kind of servant that Jesus invites his disciples to emulate.
In our daily lives, we often strive for success, recognition, or control. But Jesus challenges us to adopt a countercultural approach to power and status, prioritizing serving others, anticipating their needs, and acting with humility.
Mark and Sarah had it all—a beautiful home, successful careers, and financial security. But despite their outward success, they felt an inner emptiness. Something was missing. They longed for a deeper purpose, a sense of fulfillment that went beyond their material possessions.
Something changed when they embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Africa. Witnessing extreme poverty and lack of access to education shook them to their core. They met brilliant students with big dreams but no means to attend school. The experience transformed their perspective, and they knew they had to act.
During their trip, Mark and Sarah met students like Emmanuel, who wanted to become a doctor, and Nala, who dreamed of being a teacher. But with no money for tuition, their futures seemed bleak. Mark and Sarah knew they couldn’t turn a blind eye. They decided to sponsor scholarships for underprivileged African students, providing full tuition, books, and mentorship.
Their initiative, “Hope’s Horizon,” was born. Over time, they supported hundreds of students, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. Mark and Sarah discovered that serving others brought them humility, empathy, and fulfillment. They came to understand that true greatness stems from serving, not receiving.
As they reflected on their journey, Jesus’ teaching echoed in their hearts: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Mark and Sarah realized that real status comes from serving the marginalized, true power lies in empowering others, and selfless love builds a lasting legacy.
Years later, Mark and Sarah’s legacy lived on through the students they had helped. Emmanuel became a doctor, returning to his community to provide medical care. Nala taught children in her village, inspiring a new generation. Mark and Sarah’s selfless love had created a ripple effect, inspiring others to serve.
Their story teaches us that serving others brings humility and fulfillment. We discover true greatness when we prioritize others. Will you embark on your own journey of selfless service?
Jesus illustrates this point further with a powerful example—a little child. He takes a little child and places him in the midst of his disciples, saying to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me” (Mark 9:37).
What is the significance of the child? In the ancient world, children held no social status, legal rights, or prestige aside from normal family affection. Until adulthood, they were nobodies, socially invisible.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer insightfully observes, “Jesus takes the child as a representative of the marginalized and oppressed… Whoever receives this child, receives me” (“The Cost of Discipleship,” p. 155). This powerful statement underscores Jesus’ identification with the vulnerable.
Jesus is saying that welcoming the marginalized is equivalent to welcoming Him. The powerless, lacking social or economic influence, the nobodies, frequently overlooked or ignored by society, and the marginalized, frequently excluded or oppressed due to race, gender, or social status, all fall under this category.
Imagine meeting a family on vacation and discovering Pope Francis is their brother. You’d likely be thrilled and eager to connect. But what if you treated every person with similar reverence, recognizing they’re brothers and sisters of Jesus? This is what Jesus means when he says, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37).
As we reflect on Jesus’ teaching, let’s ask ourselves: Are we willing to take the scenic byway of humility and service? Do we prioritize others’ needs over our own desires? Will we embark on a journey of selfless love, like Mark and Sarah?
Jesus’ message is clear: true greatness comes from serving, not receiving. Let’s reroute our understanding of power and status, embracing the countercultural approach of humility and service. This path may not be the quickest or most direct, but it leads to breathtaking views of transformed lives and communities.
As we go forward, may we anticipate others’ needs, like John, the exceptional waiter? May we welcome the marginalized and recognize Jesus in each face. May we prioritize serving others, discovering true fulfillment in the process.
May Jesus’ words echo in our hearts: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 9:35). Let us serve with humility, empathy, and selfless love, creating a ripple effect of kindness that changes lives. May our actions proclaim that true power lies in empowering others, real status comes from serving the marginalized, and lasting legacy is built on selfless love.
So, will you take the first step today? Will you embark on your own journey of selfless service, discovering the true greatness that comes from serving others? May you find true greatness on the road of servanthood. Amen.
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