Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

What Greatness Looks Like

Yesterday we reflected on how God calls us to something more. But today the question becomes: What does that actually look like?

Because if we are not careful, we can begin to think holiness means appearing religious or having all the answers. But then Jesus gives us this Gospel.

James and John are asking for places of honor. And if we are honest, we understand them. Most people do not necessarily want power, but we do want to matter. We want to feel appreciated. We want our efforts noticed. We want to know that what we do counts.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

But Jesus turns things upside down. He says greatness in His Kingdom looks different: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”

That sounds good — until we actually have to live it.

Because serving is hard when nobody notices, nobody says thank you, or we begin to feel taken for granted.

But isn’t that where so much of life happens?

Parents quietly serving their families. Someone caring for a spouse. A son or daughter helping an aging parent. A person carrying responsibilities no one else even sees.

Most of the important things in life happen quietly.

And Jesus says none of it is unnoticed.

Peter reminds us today that we were redeemed not with gold or silver, but at a great price. In other words: you matter to God more than you know.

So maybe holiness looks less like grand gestures and more like quietly loving people well — doing small things with patience, showing kindness, serving even when nobody applauds.

Because in God’s eyes, those things are never small.