Being Great

Readings for Wednesday March 30, 2011

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19


Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:19)

How does one become great? In sports, many have thought the route to greatness was through having the winning record. In politics, many have sought the highest positions in office to become great. In science, many have sought to be the first to discover a new cure or a new species. Most people will define greatness as the things that we have done and all of our accomplishments in life; but in heaven, these accomplishments will mean very little.

Jesus tells us today that the path to greatness is about what we do, as well as the things that we don't do. We too can become great in heaven if we are willing to be faithful servants of the Lord and follow the rules. The ten commandments give us the parameters of the things that we are not do do. Jesus came to fulfill those commandments by not doing away with them, but keeping them and by also taking them to another level. Jesus came to tell us to still follow the commandments, but He also gave us a new way to live. By following His word and His example, we will keep the commandments, and live the new life that we were meant to; and by doing this we too can be great in heaven.

Being great is following the rules of God and the example of Christ.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise you for all the many blessings in our lives. Lord, help us to follow your example, and to carry the crosses that you have called each of us to. Lord, help us to hold nothing back from you and to just give our whole lives to you. Lord, you are our God, and we live to serve you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.