1 Peter 1:18-25 / Mark 10:32-45
From young, we have been told to do our best in everything.
So, from studies, to sports and in whatever activities, it is going to nothing less than to be the best.
The stress to be the best may come from some survival instinct where only winning counts.
The second place or the loser don’t mean anything and won’t have anything.
Maybe that was what James and John had in mind when they approached Jesus with the request.
For them, the kingdom was about positions and they had their sights on being above the rest.
And when the other ten heard about it, they were indignant with the two brothers.
So, even for the disciples of Jesus, greatness is seen in terms of status and position.
But the first reading reminds us that all flesh is grass and its glory like the wild flower’s.
The grass withers, the flower fades, and all is transient.
Maybe instead of wanting to be above all, let us be of service to all.
There is no need to be the best. It will give glory to God when we desire to be better persons by serving others.