While I was on vacation last week I read a book by Fr. James Mallon titled “Divine Renovation – Bringing your parish from maintenance to mission.” In the book, Fr. James focuses on building community, letting go of barriers, and inviting the lay people to help the Pastor build up their parish. He gives insights on his various assignments bringing his parishes together in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The book was very informative to read on how we can be renewed when we work with one another.

This weekend we celebrate the Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings this weekend focus on the attitude Christians have toward each other. Jesus reminds us that if you want to be among the most important, you must serve all people.

In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we read how enemies plot against God’s faithful servant. In the Gospel of St. Mark, Jesus teaches his disciples the true meaning of discipleship which is always rooted in service. When they all arrived in Capernaum, the disciples had been arguing who was the greatest among them. Jesus tells the disciples that their greatness will come only from service. Competition and jealousy are something we all experience on a daily basis. True discipleship is concerned not with status but with service.

Last Shall Be First, First Shall Be Last!