Not Us and Them, Only Us

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21B)

Mark 9.38-50

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Live Streamed on Parish Facebook page (beginning at 22:35)

 

Today’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s reading, in which the disciples, on a journey to Capernaum, argue among themselves about who is the greatest. As you may recall, Jesus attempted to settle the argument by telling them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk 9.35). One of Jesus’ quintessential statements about the nature of his ministry, about what it means to be his followers. That his purpose—their purpose, our purpose—is not about seeking to be served, but rather to serve. It is not about seeking glory and exaltation, but rather about seeking to humble ourselves in service so that others may be glorified and exalted.

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