It’s amazing to think that the disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest just after Jesus had told them—for the second time—of his Passion to come.

Jesus’ disciples wanted to succeed. Well, don’t we all? I don’t like to lose at solitaire, much less at the great game of life. There are established measures for success in every avenue we care to stroll.

Our passions are the culprit behind wars and conflicts, and the only solution is to cultivate peace.

In a spirit of repentance for our sins, we place ourselves in the hands of our merciful God.

For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes.

It is perhaps a coincidence (or the work of an unknown editor) that in Mark’s gospel the story of the disciples arguing over “who was the greatest” directly follows Jesus’ revelation of his impending death.

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. —Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)