Mark 9:30-37 (The Gospel reading for Sunday September 20, 2009)
In today’s Gospel we read of a conversation that begins on the journey back from the Mount of Transfiguration
to Capernaum. Jesus is teaching his disciples privately about his impending death and resurrection. Jesus always
speaks of his death and resurrection in one statement. (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:34,
Luke 9:22)
Upon their return to Capernaum, they entered the house, (perhaps Peter’s house) and Jesus asked them what
they were arguing about along the way. The disciples kept quiet because they were arguing over who would be
the greatest. St. Matthew adds: “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1) “And he sat down, and
called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of
all.” (Mark 9:35 KJV)
Jesus then took a child into his arms and said: “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name,
receiveth me: and whomsoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.” (Mark 9:37 KJV)
Early church tradition says that this child was St. Ignatius the martyr who, as an adult, became the bishop of
Antioch. It is also possible that the child was one of Peter’s children since they were probably gathered in
Peter’s house. The remains of this house may still be seen today in Capernaum.
Children know nothing of worldly rank or social status. They find joy in the simplest of activities and are
loving, trusting, and teachable. Jesus instructs his followers that we need to care for everyone, especially the
powerless, the way that we care for children. Jesus so often seems to prefer the littlest, the last, the lost, and the
least.
The April 14, 2006 USA Today featured an article entitled “The Waiter Rule”. The essence of the article is that
if you want to learn something about a person, observe how they treat the waiter in a restaurant. How a person
treats a waiter can predict a lot about their character.
Holy Mary sings with joy: “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He
hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” (Luke 1:51-53 KJV)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta offers this practical advice: “Love begins at home, love your family and your
neighbors. Share with the poor and needy around you with your smile, your word, your time, your belonging.
See God’s presence in the people you meet daily and treat them as children of God. Serve and love one person
at a time.”
It is always good to remember the words of Jesus: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these
my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40b KJV)
Rev. Brother Christopher R. Klein
Deacon Rector, the Chapel of St. Maximillian Kolbe
The Anglican Province of Christ the Good Shepherd