"But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him" (Mk. 9:30-37).
In Mark’s gospel reading, Jesus teaches His disciples humility, service, and the importance of welcoming children.
The passage begins with Jesus’ teaching about the death and resurrection of the Son of Man. This was the second time Jesus spoke of this prophecy to the disciples. For the second time, the disciples looked in bewilderment and told Jesus they did not understand the meaning of his teachings. The twelve disciples were clueless and struggling to grasp the full implications of Jesus' teachings. But none of the disciples asked probing questions; they remained blissfully silent and ignorant.
Reading (Mk. 9: 32), “But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him,” sparked a memory of my mother teaching me to ask questions. She encouraged me to seek an understanding of newly introduced terms or concepts by raising my hand and asking questions. Sure, your classmates may mumble dummy or snicker, but remember they did not know the answer or hold an understanding. The twelve didn’t understand what Jesus was saying, but they, like my classmates, remained silent, perhaps thinking what you don't know won't hurt you. Like my classmates, the twelve disciples wanted to give the allusion of good students to Jesus. Asking him some basic questions would expose their stupidity to each other.
Mark says that they didn’t understand what Jesus was saying, but they didn’t dare to ask him any questions about it. Does that sound familiar? Have you ever been in a situation where a discussion was over your head, but you felt embarrassed to ask what it was all about?
As the twelve continued their road trip through Galilee with Jesus, the conversation shifted to who was the greatest among them. Jesus did not engage in the conversation. We all know “I” people. I was responsible for the new chairs, I produced the parish bulletin without assistance from anyone, I paid Mrs. Jones dues, I always put $100.00 in the collection basket weekly, I, I, I, and I, etc. Everyone knows what they did; however, these self-promoters constantly put themselves above others. They give the impression that things don’t happen unless “I am involved.” Everything centers around them; they are the greatest. Jesus' boys debated who was the big “I” among them.
Unbeknown to them, Jesus was well aware of their topic. When they arrived in Capernaum, Jesus asked, “What were you arguing about along the way?” Silence, no one was willing to share their conversation. No one said “I” anything.
Jesus addresses the twelve disciples’ egotistical game by presenting a powerful lesson about humility and putting others before oneself. Jesus takes a child and places them in their midst. He goes on to say that a child is humble and trusting and that these are the qualities disciples should strive to have. When we are humble, we are open to learning and growing. When trusting, we can let go of our agendas and follow God's will.
It is not always easy to live a humble and selfless life. We are all tempted to put our needs and desires ahead of others. Jesus reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and putting their needs before ours. True greatness is not about power, wealth, or status. It is about being humble and open to learning from others, even if they are younger or less experienced than us. We must self-examine our motivation, whether to be recognized for service or to be of service to others. The call to discipleship is a call to all of us to follow Jesus and become his disciples. It is a call to live lives of humility, service, and love.
Author: Deborah A Scott, Past Deputy Central States, Court Name and Number: Fr. Constantine Court 57. Parish: St. Monica Catholic Church, Kansas City, Missouri.
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