Whoever wishes to be great amomg you must become the serant of all.

I have been thonking about my 5 classmates who are taking care of their wives with Alzheimers. How admirable, that they are showing now perhaps an even greater love han they shared on their honeymoons!

They were all successful in their business careers, and now the  Lord is calling them to an even greater service.

In today's Gospel: an old, old story: clerical ladder climbing. Pope Francis has decried it calling some aspiring clerics: "airport bishops" flying off to whatever conference at which they can be noticed for promotion.

It would seem that where avenues of sexuality are closed off, the lust for power and prestige

can more easily prevail.

In today's Gospel James and John want to ascend to "high chairs." One on the right and one on the left of the throne of Jesus.

And their companions are indignant.

Is it not a paradox that when we were self centered infants as all babies are, we were secured in HIGH CHAIRS just waiting to be waited on.

Becoming adults means climbing down from our high chairs and waiting on table.

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but rather to serve."

That is our path too.

And so we pray:

"Jesus meek and humble of heart,

make our hearts like unto thine."