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.”

Reflection

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.

EGO stands for “Easing God Out.”
Jesus gave the Apostles and us the privilege of taking part in His work.
In our zeal to make the love of God known it can be easy to fall into the trap of “easing God out.” It would do me well to remember that alone I can do nothing, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 13:10)

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.”

Children are trusting and open to being led; they know they’re not in charge. A mother holds her hand out to a three year old and says, “Come with me.” The child takes her hand and follows.

When the child is a teenager, the mother once again says, “Come with me.” The child replies, “Where are we going? How long will we be gone? Why do I have to go?”

Jesus has generously invited us to share in “His” work. Our Christian leadership is based on following Christ.

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.”

Jesus calls us to be open-minded of others who do good works in His name. Our way is not necessarily the best way, the right way or the only way. There are many roads to the same destination.

“He who tries to shine dims his own light.” Lao Tzu