Fresh Dew Media

 25^th SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: WHAT IS THE MATTER?

(Mark 9:30-37)

It is very obvious that in our various associations, institutions, organizations, and unions, we have conflicts, we have cold wars, we have full-blown wars, we have misunderstandings, and we have quarrels

Why can't we live in peace, why can't we enjoy harmony, why are we not growing, why are we stunted, why are we spending much of our times, resources and ingenuity foiling, packaging and sponsoring chaos, disunity, banditry, terrorism, agitations, etc?

Why is the Church not where it should be? Why is the government wasting its tenures fighting over frivolities? Why are brothers and sisters at enmity with each other? What's happening to the things that held us together? Why can't the pastor and the people of God be at peace? Why are the Christian men fighting against one another? Where are Christian mothers scandalously competing against each other?  Why are there unhealthy criticisms right, left, and centre?

Jesus became interested in these discussions among humans. He inquires into it today.

WHAT ARE YOU DISCUSSING ON THE WAY?

Jesus had just finished discussing with the apostles on how to lay down one's life, He went as far as using His own life as an example. But as they journeyed along the apostles started another discussion, a discussion that was a contraction to Christ's wish, a discussion that was not in line with the Divine order, a discussion they wouldn't like Christ to hear. Jesus heard them anyway. He knew what they were discussing. Yet He asked: What were you discussing? The word of God today said: "They were silent; because on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest."

Jesus is asking us today the topic of our discussion. In the face of the problems, crises, and difficulties we are facing in our world, Africa, Nigeria, and states. What are our leaders discussing? Election, of course, defections here and there, jumping around the ruling party.

What are our religious leaders discussing? Is it not popularity, positions, connections, power tussles, etc?

What is the major issues in our villages and towns if not which town should come first and which should come last, we see  neighbouring villages fighting one another because of traditional kingship and autonomy, to get political recognition and accumulations. Things continue to fall apart, and the centre cannot hold.

What are the led discussing if not how to overthrow the leaders, and what are the leaders discussing if not how to hold tight their positions while lording it over the people. Should this be the case?  Do we really know what makes one great in the sight of God? Are we not making mistakes by pulling others down to exalt ourselves?

Let us stop our vainglorious discussions and hear what Christ has to say. He gives us the example of the little child.

THE CHILD: THE SOLUTION TO THE MATTER

When Jesus found out that the problem was about who was the greatest, He turned and focused on the child as the solution to that problem. Let us receive the lessons from the child in Christ's arms. The child represents humility. The child stands for simplicity. The child means sincerity and innocence. The child is openness to growth, innovation, and greatness. The child is godly.

For us to be great, my dear people of God, we have to learn to be like the child.

Someone said that for a particular country to be good again that the elders and mature people should all be murdered. I agree with that. Let us put to death the aged corruption in us. Let us take up the child-like love that makes us see no difference between the rich and the poor. Let us be humble like the child to say I am sorry, come to roundtable discussion, and move on. Let us reconcile our differences and stop killing one another.

Once we embrace the simple life of the child, the holy life of the children of God, total resignation to the will of God and dependence on God while taking each other as one, all the useless things that used to matter for us will stop to matter. May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Eternal God, we thank You for Your concern over the secret problems of our life. Listen to the discussions of our people and blot out our evil preoccupations. Give us your grace to put a stop to the wars of pride and prejudices. Make us instruments of Your peace and bless us with servant-leaders that would lead us to greatness through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday (25th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh