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Wednesday 2nd Week Lent
Mepkin Abbey
March 4, 2015
GREATNESS IN
COMPETION ++++++++++++++++++++
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Competition
in our world almost always means aggressively vying with others for power,
wealth, or prestige
Ø
We
talk about cutthroat competition in business, commerce, education, and
government, in fact, in any human enterprise
Ø
Jesus’
words and history tell us that this competitive spirit is as old as Cain and
Abel
jesus
turns the tables ++++++++++++++++++++++
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No
matter how old, J was not about to accept it
Ø
No
sooner do Zebedee’s sons & mother petition J 4 choice spots in kingdom &
other DD hear about it, Jesus shows his opposition to this approach
Ø
He
says the people of the world regularly act this way. “The great ones make their authority over them felt”
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“They lord it over the masses”
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However,
he says to the disciples and to us: “But
it shall not be so among you”
TRUE GREATNESS IS IN
THE CROSS +++++++++++++++
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J
speaks of a different sort of greatness
Ø
What
we all have a part in, as true disciples, is in his suffering, in the Cross
Ø
He
says way 2 compete 4 greatness in his kingdom is 2 seek 2B the 1 who serves
everyone
Ø
There
may not be that much room at the top, but there is plenty of room for all of us
who generously serve each other!
Ø
There
should be so many of us serving others that there would be a significant
diminution of poverty, suffering, abandoned and abused children, ignorance, and
strife
Ø
And
even in home or monastery there might B more willingness 2 do dishes & clean
bathrooms than there is to get best chair in the commons
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Today
while we wait for our big opportunity to serve the world, we might begin in the
enclosure right or on our job by being willing 2 serve those with whom we live
and work
Ø
Jesus,
the model servant shows us how
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
