Life can sometimes feel like taking part in a league competition, where we are expected to climb to the top of the table. Today’s readings given us a different perspective, as Fr Richard reflects here.
Readings for Monday of week 26 of ordinary time can be found here.
The time was when every football fan would eagerly open the Sunday or Monday papers to see how their team had done at the match on Saturday. Then they would have a look at the league tables to see where the result had placed their team. Nowadays such information is available instantly online, but the excitement remains. Is our team climbing the league table, or falling? Is there a chance we might win the league this season, or are we heading for relegation? Every fan wants their team to be successful, but of course only one can finish at the top of the pile come the end of the season. Does that mean the rest have failed? What about if they have made a dramatic improvement, played some amazing football, bonded as a unit, or become well known for fair play? Might these things be regarded as just as commendable?
Human beings often have a particular view about what makes for a successful life. Rather like the football fan hoping for league glory, we might wish that life could proceed without too many troubles. We might hope for a good career, to excel at our hobbies and pastimes, to enjoy excellent health and be well thought of by friends and family. Anything less than this, we might think, equals some kind of failure. The character of Job appears to have all the marks of success: a large family, livestock, servants, and property. In an instant all of this is taken away from him. Job is of course devastated, but never forsakes God: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord”, he says. Job’s faithfulness in the face of suffering is more important than the status he has lost.
In the Gospel, it is the question of status which the disciples are concerned about. They are keen to know who is top of the apostolic league table. Jesus has to direct their attention elsewhere, and give them an alternative vision of greatness. According to Jesus, it is to be found in the simplicity, humility and innocence of a small child. There’s nothing wrong in wanting our football team to win. But let us not obsess about our place in the league table of life; let us rather seek simple faithfulness and service of the Lord.
Mass today is in St Dyfrig & St Samson at 6.30pm.
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