In Mark’s gospel today, Jesus’ disciples were not above squabbling over who was the greatest of them all. Jesus’ response is both reassuring and challenging. He did not criticize them for their pride or self delusion. Instead, he looked deep into their hearts and responded to what he saw there – their idealism, their desire to do good, their wish to be his faithful followers. He simply ignored the immature way it showed itself.
Jesus showed them that the way to Christian greatness is simple. You don’t need a golden halo, or the skills to explain profound theological insights, or a wardrobe full of sackcloth and ashes. The way is as close as the person right beside you, right here, right now. Truly and deeply welcome that person, in all their messy humanity, as Jesus truly and deeply welcomes us