JESUS uttered a “shocking phrase” when he taught the squabbling disciples that greatness in the eyes of God is measured “not on what someone has, but on what someone gives”, Pope Francis said in a comment on last Sunday’s Gospel.
“The value of a person does not depend anymore on the role they have, the work they do, the money they have in the bank. No, no, no, it does not depend on this,” Pope Francis said.
“Greatness and success in God’s eyes are measured differently – they are measured by service.”
Service, he said, was an overused word these days but it has a precise meaning to a Gospel people.
Jesus tells us he had come “not to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10:45).
“Our fidelity to the Lord depends on our willingness to serve,” Pope Francis said.
“And we know this often costs, because ‘it tastes like a cross’.
“But, as our care and availability toward others grows, we become freer inside, more like Jesus.
“The more we serve, the more we are aware of God’s presence.
“Above all, when we serve those who cannot give anything in return, the poor, embracing their difficulties and needs with tender compassion: and we, in turn, discover God’s love and embrace there.”
When Jesus then takes a child and puts him at the centre of the circle, he is showing that the “little ones” are at the centre of the Christian life.
“The ones who are to be served above all are those in need of receiving who cannot give anything in return,” Pope Francis said.
“In welcoming those on the margins, the neglected, we welcome Jesus because He is there.
“And in the little one, in the poor person we serve, we also receive God’s tender embrace.”
