Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For a full doctrinal homily outline for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, click here.

Central idea: The greatness of the lowly. Doctrine: The virtue of service and the vice of envy. Practical application: Humble and admiring nobility.

Here is an excerpt:

• Just as in last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks his apostles a question. This time they do not answer, because they are ashamed to. Their reasoning might be something like this. Jews are greater than Gentiles. The disciples are greater than the Jews in general. The Twelve are greater than the rest of the disciples. Therefore, one of the Twelve must be the greatest among this select group.
• But one reason they are silent is that the Lord’s greatness is so out of proportion to whatever favor or merit they might claim.
• In addition, they know Jesus well enough to intuit that there is something wrong about exercising greatness and power as the world does.
• Jesus’ response is as surprising and profound as his revelation in last week’s Gospel about each one of us having a cross and that cross being our way to salvation.
  • “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” The example he provides to illustrate what he means is receiving a child, the epitome of unimportance. Receiving a child in Christ’s name is the way to receive Christ, and thus the Father. Stooping down to serve the most lowly is the way to reach the heights of Christ and God the Father.
  • If anyone wishes. This is an ambition Our Lord approves of.