Compete in Holiness

October 20, 2024 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings:  Isaiah 53:10-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45 or 10:42-45

The world often feels like a vast arena of competition, where many strive to outrun, outdo, or outshine others to reach the top. Success is frequently measured by power, status, or accolades, leading people to chase an illusion of greatness. In this pursuit, some may even resort to putting others down, masking their own shortcomings.

But this Sunday’s readings offer a different vision of greatness—greatness found in humility, sacrifice, and selflessness. True greatness is not in being first, but in being last, in giving one's life so others may live.

We are reminded of the innocent, suffering servant who was ultimately glorified, pointing us to Jesus, who, though sinless, embraced suffering for our sake.

Shouldn’t we feel humbled knowing that Jesus, blameless and pure, took on our human frailties? While we compete for success, Jesus took on our humanity to lead us to the fullness of life.

The only competition worth pursuing is one of holiness: striving to be the last, the servant of all. Are we the first to volunteer at church, to help the needy, to forgive, or to step aside so others may go first? Are we quick to contribute but content to be the last to partake? Do we reach out to those in need and refuse to give up on them?

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Our call to holiness is to embrace being the least and the last before God, always ready to walk the way of the cross. But we cannot do this alone. Let us confidently seek God’s grace and mercy to help us on this journey.