I want to be first! No, I want to be first! No, ME FIRST! No, ME FIRST!
How many parents have heard this from their children? At young ages, most children tend to believe that the world revolves around them. Thus, they tend to believe that they are entitled to being first, having the best.
Most of the time, we grow out of the total self-focus of the "Me First" stage. Yet, we tend to always want the best for ourselves. We strive for the best jobs. We compete for the best promotions. We want to be successful, make money, influence people.
I'm often amazed at some conversations at gatherings of people. It seems that in those conversations, people are trying to out-do each other with "I did that," and "I did this," or "I have that," and "I have this."
Today's Gospel reminds us that while we like to have the best, we actually become the best persons we can be when we give of ourselves in service to others. True self-discovery and true happiness come from using our God-given gifts to help others in need, to encourage others to be the best that they can be. True happiness comes not from focus on ourselves, but rather from focus on God and others.
Faith Chat Question: How are you a leader in your family, school, neighborhood, parish community? How do you serve others through your leadership?
Faith Response: Make "Helping Hands" coupons. Have each family member trace their hands on paper and cut out their hand prints. On each hand print, family members can write one thing that they can do for someone else. Share your "Helping Hands" coupons with one another and do the activities on the hand print coupons as they are redeemed.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to be servant leaders like you. Amen.
