Second Friday of Advent

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded
as the greatest. But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it
over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not
so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest,
and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at
the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am
among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)

       who

who is
greater:
the superstar paid
millions
to bend a ball,
or
the coach who tells
her players, 'every one
on this team
plays
the same amount of time
each game'?

who makes
more of an impact:
the band that commands
hundreds of dollars
for a single ticket,
or the grandfather who,
in retirement,
spends time with his guitar
making up songs
for children?

who really
really changes lives:
the television PhD
whose sole focus
is ratings,
or the doctor who
travels to Central America
for a month every year
to treat folks without
charge?

when it comes to
greatness, we still use an
outdated
measuring stick,
don't we?

© 2012 Thom M. Shuman

'Bearers of Grace and Justice', liturgies with communion   for Lectionary Year C; 'Pirate Jesus', prayers and poems   for Lectionary Year C, are available at Amazon.