And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.” Mark 10: 41-42
I don’t know much about cars. I never was interested in them. I learned to drive much later in life and I did it with a certain reluctance. However, when the hood of the car starting smoking, I knew that it would be best to stop. I was in a deserted road in the middle of nowhere. I was in search of trout in the one of the many secluded lakes in state of Maine. I never questioned the wisdom of driving around alone in isolated regions until that moment. This occurred during pre-cellphone days. As I was staring helplessly at the fuming hood, I heard a voice. I did not realize a truck had pulled over to the side of the road. It was a woman’s voice. She said that she saw the the smoking car and assumed that I needed some assistance. I was honest. I told her that I was just going through the motion of looking at the hood. I had absolutely no clue what was wrong with the car. She was with a child in her truck and she told me that she could give a ride to her brother’s house which was nearby and he was a mechanic. There wasn’t much of an option for me so I went with her. Everything worked out thanks to her kindness. This was more than fifteen years ago. Maybe the woman doesn’t remember me at all. We never exchanged names or anything like that. Her willingness to stop and help a complete stranger has left a mark in my life. I will never forget her or her brother. They were willing to be servants to a helpless man whom they never met before. Their actions enriched my soul. They reinforced my hope in the goodness of human beings even though I keep hearing the contrary in the news media.
When I was young child, my uncle asked me the indispensable question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Even though I was barely seven, I was ready with a genuine answer. We lived in a tiny apartment without any TV. My only form of entertainment was looking out of the window and watching people go about doing their everyday things. I had a bird’s eye view of what people did and who was having a good time doing it. My answer came from my untainted observations. I told my uncle that I wanted to be a street sweeper or trash pick-up person. There was a silence first followed by boisterous laughter from my parents and uncle. I was quite surprised at their reactions. This is why I still remember the occasion. I laughed with them not knowing what was really funny. When TV came into our home, I understood. I was exposed to what the world considered successful professions. Greatness in this world means being impressive to others. In my childish naïveté, I thought it was something to do happiness and making the world more beautiful. I realized that I was not ambitious enough. I should aim higher than being a road sweeper (maybe I should use the more sophisticated term, sanitation professional). Now that I am older with a better understanding of my faith, I realized that I gave my uncle the right answer. The road sweepers are quiet servants of society. Their presence in our society makes our lives pleasant and beautiful. Imagine a week without someone to pick up trash or clean the roads. Then you will know why they are so important in our lives.
James and John wanted to be great in the Kingdom of God and so did the other disciples. They followed Jesus because they aspired to be like Him. For the first time in their lives, greatness was accessible to them. In their societies, only nobility could imagine being great. All of us can understand their desire. We want to believe that we are made for greatness. We would follow anyone who promises us this. However, the truth is that eventually most of us give up on the endeavor because, frankly speaking, the “greatness” of this world is not accessible to everyone.
The apostles were mad with James and John because they thought that these brothers were trying to steal “greatness” from them. In a way, they were right. The “great things” that this world offers are limited. Not everyone is going to be a doctor, not everyone is going to a successful businessman or the president. Popular wisdom tells that we can be who we desire to be. We are given random examples of successful people; the famous rags to riches stories. However, they hide the fact that many failed even though they were desirous to do great things. There are countless “riches to rags” stories too. The world offers a life of greatness with a high price. It is not one that is based in love. You need to ruthless and even heartless to be great in this world. The greatest leaders in this world are not necessarily compassionate people. They don’t have time to stop and help a helpless stranded man on the side of the road. If they do, it would be in the headlines because it would be such a rare occurrence. As for servants, they are just around us quietly doing their work and making life precious and beautiful to those who come in contact with them.
Jesus said, “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. “ Mark 10:43-44
Danyel asked us to buy him a book for his birthday. It was based on a video game. We were a little hesitant at first. Video games, over the years, have become gradually more violent and sexually explicit. He assured us that this one was quite decent. We agreed and we got him the book. However, he hasn’t read a book in his life and he needed our help. He asked if I could read to him. I prepared myself mentally to read something tedious because I find these games to be a dreadful bore. On the other hand, reading with our children is an educational opportunity that I never want to forgo. We sat down and read the book together.
The story was a classical tale of battle between good and evil. The plot was immensely complicated. The central character was a wise old man who had to lay down his life to save the whole of humanity. Throughout our reading, Danyel interrupted us to share and explain the significance of all the symbols. He explained to us that the old man who sacrificed his life never really died. The good that he has done never dies. It always resurrected again and again in another person. At the end of each long chapter, I asked if he wanted to stop or carry on, he smiled and said let’s move on. We talked more about the gospel reading this book then we ever did in all our time together.
I don’t think I have ever read so many chapters out aloud in Portuguese before. I never noticed that reading aloud requires our mouth to exercise different muscles which I never knew existed and they were tired. However, it was worth it. We had a special time with Danyel and he enjoyed his time with us. For the short moment we spent together, life was beautiful and special for the three of us. He served us and we served him. He taught us a special lesson; goodness never dies. In reality, there is nothing new in this statement but hearing it from Danyel made it seem special and new.
Being great in the Kingdom of God is not about being impressive to others. It is being like the road sweepers of my childhood who made the world beautiful and peaceful in their quiet manner. It is showing love to a stranded stranger on a deserted road. It is giving because giving in itself is a beautiful and peaceful thing. The road sweepers, the people from Maine, and even Danyel will never read this post. It is okay. They don’t need to do it. The goodness they have deposited in their simple way in my life will bear fruit. Well, at least, it makes me understand the beauty and value of life.
Being a servant is definitely a great way to live our lives.
