Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 / James 3:16 – 4:3 / Mark 9:30-37
Between a discussion, a debate and an argument, there are similarities and there are also differences.
A discussion is a process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.
An argument is an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one, with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
Whichever it might be, emotions are always involved, and a discussion can develop into a debate and then when the emotions get high it becomes an argument that can turn into a shouting match.
And usually in small and petty arguments, it isn’t about who is right or wrong but who can shout louder and prevail over the other.
It’s also rather funny how after an argument is over, you begin to think about more clever things you should have said (but a bit too late).
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. Because an earlier discussion had led to a debate and then into an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position.
As they passed by some goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" The wife replied, "Yep,… the in-laws."
The fact is that when a discussion deteriorates into an argument, logic turns into emotion, and intelligence turns into arrogance.
In the gospel, Jesus asked His disciples what were they arguing about on the road.
They said nothing. Of course they said nothing because what they argued about was nothing intelligent – they argued about who was the greatest.
And obviously each was trying to prove that he is the greatest by the volume of his voice, so much so that it reached the ears of Jesus.
But when they were confronted by Jesus, they became silent.
But it was only when they were silent that they were ready to listen.
It is interesting to note that “silent” and “listen” are made up of the same letters.
And it was when they were silent that Jesus began to teach them about what is greatness.
He taught them that if anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last and the servant of all.
And then He took a little child and set him in front of them and told them that anyone who welcomes one of these little ones would be welcoming Him.
In other words, anyone who would be as humble as a little child would be able to listen to the teachings of Jesus and attain greatness without having to prove it.
And there is also no need to try to win an argument in order to prove that one is great.
There is this story of Mother Teresa who went around begging for food for the orphans that she was taking care of.
One day Mother Teresa went to a local bakery to ask for bread for the starving children in the orphanage. The baker, outraged at people begging for bread from him, spat in her face and refused.
Mother Teresa calmly took out her handkerchief, wiped the spit from her face and said to the baker, “Okay, that was for me. Now what about the bread for the orphans?”
The baker, shamed by her response, gave her the bread she wanted.
Truly it was an example of greatness in the face of insult. And there is no argument about that.
As we think about it, we may realize that most of the time, we react and enter into an argument with others and may even end up fighting for nothing and over nothing.
And that’s what St. James tells us in the 2nd reading when he says this – Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven’t got it, so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition you cannot satisfy, so you fight to get your way by force.
Yes, when we look at what is happening in the world, we can see that there are people who would resort to violence and even killing and they think that it is great to do so.
There is a story of a holy man who was threatened with death by a bandit.
The holy man calmly said, “Then be good enough to fulfill my dying wish - Cut off the branch from the tree.”
With one slash of the sword, and it was done. “What now?” asked the bandit.“Put it back again,” said the holy man.
The bandit laughed, “You must be crazy to think that anyone can do that.”
The holy man replied, “On the contrary, it is you who are crazy to think that you are great and mighty because you can wound and destroy. But true greatness and might would know how to create and heal.”
Certainly, it is very brave to talk like that to someone who is wielding a sword.
But true greatness is also having the courage and the wisdom to speak the truth with love.
Because to speak the truth with love requires the wisdom that can be attained only with the humility of a little child.
As the 2nd reading puts it, it is a wisdom that comes down from above and it makes for peace and it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good, and there is no trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it.
Yes, we need to be humble and ask for the wisdom from Jesus in any discussion or debate or even in an argument.
With the wisdom from Jesus, our discussions and debates and even arguments will bear fruits of peace and even help others to grow in holiness.
Between a discussion, a debate and even in an argument, the difference lies with Jesus and in Jesus.