Alone with Jesus, the Greatest Of All Time

In my spiritual reflection today, Mark’s Gospel presents us with three moments in which Jesus taught His disciples privately, directly and clearly: first, while they were journeying; second, when they arrived in Capernaum and entered a house; and third, when Jesus called a child over.  Though the content of what Jesus taught His disciples is significant, it’s also helpful to first reflect upon the simple fact that Jesus spent time alone with the disciples teaching them [Mark 9:30-37].

In many ways, our Lord does the same with us.  Jesus is constantly calling us to various forms of solitude with Him so that we can listen to all that He wants to teach us.  This is difficult for many today.  So many people (especially me) are constantly bombarded with the various noises of the world, are constantly distracted by momentary and passing experiences, and find it difficult to go off with our Lord alone so that He can teach them the most important lessons of life.

As you consider your weekly activities, how much time do you devote to being alone with our Lord?  How much time do you spend in prayer, in the reading of Scripture and in silent meditation away from other distractions?  For many (again, especially me) this is a challenge.

It’s also useful to consider the content of what Jesus taught His disciples in private.  He spoke to them about His coming passion, death and resurrection.  This was the central purpose of His life and was clearly something that Jesus wanted to communicate to His disciples.  Jesus spoke very directly and without any figure of speech as He explained this.  Contrast that with the many parables He told to the crowds.  It appears that when Jesus was able to be alone with those who had dedicated their lives to following Him in faith, Jesus was able to speak His saving message more clearly and directly.

This same Gospel passage in Mark also gave me reason to smile today, even as I continue to mourn the passing of the last of my siblings last week and as I remember my Mother’s birthday today, and her passing nine years ago.  

Of late - perhaps in the last few years – we’ve come to see references to the "GOAT" everywhere.    Since then, it seems the term is used daily - athletics, music, engineering, investing... all across the cultural spectrum.  What I don't understand is what causes we humans to have this need to name 'The One.'  Why does it matter?

Twelve disciples, following our Lord Jesus Christ, had been talking among themselves about which of them would be considered The Greatest.  Can you imagine!?  In the actual presence of Christ, son of God?  Incredible!  What hubris!   

And so our Christ, all-knowing and kind, provided a simple lesson.  Even though all of us are special and precious in the eyes of God, none of us is more special or more precious than the next.  A small child, received by Christ, exemplified that if we open ourselves to such a child, we open ourselves to God.  It is through humility and service that we become "first" to God.  Using the powerful words from the Old Testament, we must be steadfast, patient, sincere of heart and standing in justice, humble, and trusting, among other qualities [Sirach 9:14-29].

Let's not aspire to be "G.O.A.T.s" on this earth; rather let's choose to be the least, so that we can be first in God's kingdom. 

Lord, You have so much to say, so much to teach and so much to reveal.  As I choose to follow You and devote my entire life to You, I pray that You will continuously draw me into greater silence and solitude so that I can receive from You the deep, clear and direct messages that I need to hear, understand and believe.  Jesus, I trust in You.