When one Googles the words, “I am the greatest”, the usual result is the quote said by Muhammad Ali way back in August 1963—six months before he won the world heavyweight championship. He passed away in June 2016 at the age of 74. In other words, you have a generation who doesn’t know him anymore; there are a new batch of boxers with other achievements; and while he continue to inspired other boxers and athletes, what he was in his prime is all but a memory. Such is greatness in the eyes of the world: it is passing, fleeting and somebody else better is always coming up.

While the apostles where jockeying for position as to who among them was the greatest, Jesus reminded them that being greatest in the eyes of the world is very different from being greatest in the eyes of God, three of which are:

• First, being great in the eyes of the world is about achievement, honors and medals. These things can be counted. Being great in the eyes of God are about the things that cannot be counted – these are the kindness and service we have shown other people.
• Second, being great in the eyes of the world is about oneself: “I am the greatest.” Whatever power and blessing is for oneself. Being great in the eyes of God is about others: Making others great using whatever power and blessing we have. Again, these can be done through service.
• Third, being great in the eyes of the world is only for this world. Whatever we achieve, is only for this world and typically forgotten after so many generations. Being great in the eyes of God is the key to eternal life – “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do unto me.”

In this Mass, may we aspire for being the greatest not in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God. This is certainly not for a few but open to all. Open to all who are willing to serve.