One Trifling Exception

A wise author has written, “It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.” -1 In a most direct way, that one sentence sums up for us how insignificant we may feel, especially when we personalize it and put the emphasis on the phrase, “trifling exception.” But when we change our perspective, and instead focus on the word “others,” it takes on new meaning — offers us new possibilities — brings into focus a new way of seeing!

In today’s Lesson we hear Jesus, the man for others say: “… there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last” (Lk. 13:30). In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus elaborates on this teaching: If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all (Mk. 9:35).

We think of Jesus Christ as a strong person. We think of His mother Mary as a…