An **A**-For-Effort

In one of his writings, Ralph Waldo Emerson asks, “How do you measure success?” In his answer, he lists the following traits:

To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a redeemed
ocial condition or a job well done.

Not many people I have known would find that formula offensive. After all, who would argue that the ability to appreciate beauty and to find the best in others and to do a good job and to help improve social conditions are not good measures of success? Yes, Emerson’s formula for success is good – – as far as it goes. But, in today’s Gospel Lesson, Jesus is telling us that it doesn’t go far enough. Jesus’ success formula is remarkable for its brevity. He says it all in a single sentence of just a dozen words:

The greatest among you will be the one who serves the rest! (Matthew…