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On the 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time we reflect on themes of humility, service and the Christian life. In the second reading James seems to emphasize the importance of unity. He tells us that jealousy and ambition lead to disharmony and wickedness. We can see that for ourselves at every level of human life these days; from international relations all the way down to relationships between individuals. The fracturing of human relationships is not in line with the ” wisdom that comes down from above” which is itself peaceable and compassionate, demonstrated itself is doing good. The root of this disharmony and fracturing in the world comes from inside ourselves. It’s our own desires or passions which drive us inexorably. There are many conflicts in this world. I don’t just mean wars, terrorisms or violence although they seem the worst and most extreme conflicts. I also mean daily conflicts we are a part of at work, school, in our families and even in the Church. The small arguments, little disagreements, frustrations that other people don’t quite see things as we see them can impede our progress to gain the ” wisdom that comes from above.

 There is nothing wrong about being human. Being human drives us to succeed, to want to achieve things. For some people they target greatness : look at our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. For others, the ambition is smaller : getting the kids to eat breakfast and get to school on time is challenge enough. Society, these days, seems to tell us that being right, being first, being the best is all important. There is a  huge difference between DOING your best and BEING the best. Being the best student, the best driver, the best mom/dad, the best doctor, the best anything you can be is good. It’s holy and will bear fruits. Being better than anyone else is pointless and will only lead to conflict. One should strive to DO YOR BEST, but resist the urge TO BE THE BEST. But Iif you are the best, thank God that you are able to serve so well.

 This leads to the message in today’s Gospel. We , according to Jesus, have to become like children in order to be great. Of course this does not mean being childish. Rather it means being child-like. It means that we have to live our lives in humble service to God and one another. The child Jesus puts in the midst of the disciples does not symbolize innocence as much as littleness. For, like children, the little ones depend on others, on adults they need to receive. Henri Nouwen has stated that ” For a person of faith, the many failures may open that place in us where we have nothing to brag about but everything to be loved for. It is becoming a child again, a child who is loved simply for being, simply for smiling, simply for reaching out. ” Nouwen also says  ” For Jesus, there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.”

 So what can we do to show we are listening to the messages in the readings and Gospel today? I think Jesus is asking us to do the small things that bring our thinking and our lifestyle more in conformity with reality. We can take a few minutes just to realize how much we have and be thankful. We can try to see others around us and appreciate how our life is better because of  what they do. It’s eye-opening when one asks to speak to the manager at a store, fast food place and compliment the service received. The response is so welcomed by the clerk/server. What we might give to others need not be financial. We could give of our time and our compassion. We can be role models for our children showing how kindness and caring for others is an asset to living. We could offer to do a chore for an elderly neighbour; to babysit ( just for a break) for a single mother ; to listen to a co-worker as he/she deals with a problem ; to call and check on someone who is battling illness just ” to see how they are doing”.  We can remember these words : ” Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me.”

Let us try to remain humble in all we have, in all we do, and pray that the “child” in us guides us on our way.