TO THE HEIGHTS OF HEAVEN

Many people want to be great in their league. And greatness is often associated in being the first; in occupying a position of power.

Those who are given recognition in a class, who had achieved something in life, are those who became mayors, governors, doctors and other professionals. No one gives honor to undergraduates who in life and society had attained no offices of their own. This is the world’s standard for greatness.

Christ teaches us that “whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” Just so, “the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Christ is our model and example of greatness. It is by serving others that greatness is attained.

Who are great among us Christians? Mother Teresa, Padre Pio, San Martin de Porres, to name a few. And these people are considered great not because of the positions of offices they had, but for the humble deeds they have done before they occupied such offices, and which they have continued to do until the end of their lives. Mother Teresa administered to the poor people of Calcutta before becoming the foundress of a religious congregation. As she became a foundress, she continued to do what she was doing before it brought her to that position. Padre Pio counseled sinners who approach the confession box in San Giovanni Rotundo. His fame and the devotion to him all over the world is unparalleled. San Martin swept the floor in Lima and attended to the animals of their convent. They did this out of love of others and not for selfish motives. Positions are not our means towards Christian greatness. They are consequences of the humble things we can do for the love of God and neighbor. Greatness in the Christian standard; in the standard set by Christ, is based on humility in doing little things with a great heart.

Sturdy trees attained their strength and survive storms not because of their branches and fruits but because of their roots deeply sunk in the ground. Humility is the key to Christian greatness. It is our willingness to do the will of God even if it means serving the lowliest among us. That will bring us to the heights of heaven.