Humble Service
In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus asked the disciples what they were arguing about on their way to Capernaum. But they remained silent, for they had been discussing among themselves on the way who among them was the greatest. (cf. Mark 9:33-34)
Jesus called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Then Jesus placed a child in their midst, and putting His arms around the child, said to His disciples: “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” (cf. Mark 9:35-37)
The Gospel of Matthew tells us about the same incident, but added that Jesus said: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4)
Both Gospels point out, without a doubt, that humility is necessary in the kingdom of heaven. According to Matthew, one must humble himself like a child; on the other hand, according to Mark, one must consider himself as last and the servant of all. However, both Mark and Matthew conclude by saying that whoever receives a child such as this in Jesus’ name receives Him.
Humility can be practiced in many ways, but in this specific instance, it is by putting oneself at the service of others that one puts himself last. However, there is one caveat – sometimes we want to serve others on our own terms, telling people what they should do or should not do; the Gospel passage from Matthew tells us to humble ourselves like children, that humble service is about being like a child who is told what to do and what not to do.
But that is not all; it is also about putting oneself at the service of the poor and lowly, who have no way to repay you. Receiving a little child is like receiving someone who has no ability to repay you. Being kind to a little child is like being kind to someone who has no ability to repay you. It is that kind of humble service that makes one great in the kingdom of heaven.