Today’s Gospel:  Luke 8:1-3

REFLECTION
Whenever we think about Jesus going throughout the region of Galilee and traveling down to Jerusalem, we always imagine the 12 disciples following behind Him or walking beside Him. During his three years of public ministry Jesus traveled extensively.

The gospel records that a band of women accompanied Jesus and the 12 apostles.  This was a diverse group of women; some were public sinners, others from rich or prominent families.  These women had been delivered from so much - evil spirits, diseases, sicknesses, infirmities, and sins. As a result, they loved Jesus with all of their hearts, soul, mind, strength and possessions.    They served Him quietly and patiently.  They came to Him and received love and acceptance and healing they had not found anywhere else.

Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.   Everywhere we turn in the Gospels, we read of Him serving the crowds, and meeting the needs of the sick. We read of Him providing for the hungry, teaching His disciples. Jesus is showing what true greatness is.  He is saying that greatness is in
serving. He is teaching that the best position in God's Kingdom is the lowest.

We never read of Him taking anything from anyone, or receiving any kind of service from anybody - except from women.  While He washes other people's feet, He lets women wash His. Though He feeds 5,000, He allows women to feed Him. That is why if greatness means serving, and Jesus was the greatest person ever on the face of the earth, what does it mean when He allows others to serve Him?

Here's where greatness is found - understand who God has made you and what gifts and talents you have, then using that understanding to serve others.  Greatness is found in service.

- MA

Today’s Reading:  1 Cor 15: 12-20

PRAYER
Father Almighty, set my heart on fire for you that I may serve and  give freely of the gifts, talents, and resources you give me, for your sake and for the work of the Gospel.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.