• Home
  • Parish
    • Liturgy & Devotions
    • Sacraments
      • Baptism
      • Confirmation
      • Eucharist and First Communion
      • Penance
      • Anointing of the Sick
      • Ordination
      • Marriage
    • Parish Pastoral Council
    • Parish Team
    • Choirs
    • Parish groups and organizations
    • Child Protection Policy
    • History of the Parish
    • Map of the Parish
  • Priory
    • History of the Priory
    • Dominicans
      • Biography of St. Dominic
      • History of the Dominicans in Ireland
      • The Dominicans in Ireland Today
      • 800th Jubilee of the Order
        • Calendar of the Jubilee
        • Jubilee News
        • Jubilee prayer
      • Dominican Vocation
    • Priory Institute
    • Alive – Catholic Newspaper
    • Retreat House
    • Today’s Good News
  • News
    • Commentary on the Gospel
    • Parish Notices
    • Feasts and Celebrations
    • Choirs and concerts
    • Events
    • Retreats
    • Calendar
  • Polish
  • Galleries
  • Contact
  • Home
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Commentary on the 25th Sunday (B) 23.09.2018
December 13, 2019

Commentary on the 25th Sunday (B) 23.09.2018

Commentary on the 25th Sunday (B) 23.09.2018

by Robert Regula / Saturday, 22 September 2018 / Published in Commentary

Commentary by Fr Donagh O’Shea OP, www.goodnews

Mk 9:30-37

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

St Augustine wrote: “Observe a tree, how it first reaches downwards so that it may then shoot upwards. It sinks its roots deep into the ground so that its top may reach towards the skies. Is it not from humility that it endeavours to grow? But without humility it will not reach higher. You want to grow up into the air without roots. That is not growth, but collapse.”

The disciples of Jesus had not yet reached this awareness. They were not above squabbling about rank, a little weakness that has hexed the clergy ever since. In this passage it says “they” were discussing; we can guess that James and John were in the thick of it, because in the very next chapter these two are asking for the best places in his Kingdom (10:35). It is the ego, the false self, that looks for promotion; the real self, the self that comes every moment from the hand of God, doesn’t need it or look for it. “If you are in love with precedence and high honour,” said St John Chrysostom, “pursue the humblest things, pursue being the least regarded of all, pursue being the lowliest of all, pursue being the smallest of all, pursue placing yourselves behind others.”

Religion often brings out the worst in people: hypocrisy, fanaticism and cruelty. Seeking preferment is not as serious a fault as these, but it is the next on the list. Jesus wanted on this occasion to be alone with the disciples, in peace and quiet, to give them a new teaching: about humility and suffering. This is the hardest lesson of all, and one that no one wants to hear, even though every mortal being is a sufferer. Jesus himself was to drain the cup of suffering to the dregs. “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering,” wrote St Augustine. This made the disciples’ squabbling for position look very shallow indeed. “What were you arguing about?” he asked. “They said nothing…” because they were ashamed. They suppressed their argument for the moment, and it looked as if the argument was over. But no, it would break out again later. By their very obtuseness they are teaching us something – just as a slow learner sometimes helps the whole class by slowing down the teacher.

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Priory Newsletter 8.12.2019 (2nd Sunday of Advent A)

    Download the newsletter...
  • Reconciliation Service

    PREPARE THE WAY!A reconciliation Service for Ad...
  • Annual Priory Carol Service

    Sunday, 8th December at 4.00pm. Refreshments af...
  • Commentary on 2nd Sunday of Advent A, 8.12.2019

    TEXT: Matthew 03: 1–12 John the Baptist appears...
  • Priory Newsletter 1.12.2019 (1st Sunday of Advent A)

    Download the newsletter...

Calendar

  • Previous
  • Next
December 2019
MMonday TTuesday WWednesday TThursday FFriday SSaturday SSunday
25November 25, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: CA Meeting

Retreat House: CA Meeting

November 25, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

More about Retreat House: CA Meeting

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Circle Dancing

Retreat House: Circle Dancing

November 25, 2019 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Circle Dancing

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Men’s Yoga

Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

November 25, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

26November 26, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

November 26, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Shine Yoga

Retreat House: Shine Yoga

November 26, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

More about Retreat House: Shine Yoga

Category: ChoirRetreat House: Zen Meditation

Retreat House: Zen Meditation

November 26, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Zen Meditation

27November 27, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

November 27, 2019 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Category: ChoirRetreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

November 27, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

28November 28, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

November 28, 2019 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

November 28, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

29November 29, 2019 30November 30, 2019 1December 1, 2019
2December 2, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: CA Meeting

Retreat House: CA Meeting

December 2, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

More about Retreat House: CA Meeting

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Circle Dancing

Retreat House: Circle Dancing

December 2, 2019 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Circle Dancing

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Men’s Yoga

Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

December 2, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

3December 3, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

December 3, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Shine Yoga

Retreat House: Shine Yoga

December 3, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

More about Retreat House: Shine Yoga

Category: ChoirRetreat House: Zen Meditation

Retreat House: Zen Meditation

December 3, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Zen Meditation

4December 4, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

December 4, 2019 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Category: ChoirRetreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

December 4, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

5December 5, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

December 5, 2019 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

December 5, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

6December 6, 2019 7December 7, 2019 8December 8, 2019

Category: ChoirAnnual Priory Carol Service

Annual Priory Carol Service

December 8, 2019 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Annual Priory Carol Service

More about Annual Priory Carol Service

9December 9, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: CA Meeting

Retreat House: CA Meeting

December 9, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

More about Retreat House: CA Meeting

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Circle Dancing

Retreat House: Circle Dancing

December 9, 2019 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Circle Dancing

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Men’s Yoga

Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

December 9, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

10December 10, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

December 10, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

Category: parishReconciliation Service

Reconciliation Service

December 10, 2019 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Reconciliation Service

More about Reconciliation Service

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Shine Yoga

Retreat House: Shine Yoga

December 10, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

More about Retreat House: Shine Yoga

Category: ChoirRetreat House: Zen Meditation

Retreat House: Zen Meditation

December 10, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Zen Meditation

11December 11, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

December 11, 2019 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: SRF Dublin Meditation Circle

Category: ChoirRetreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

December 11, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

12December 12, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

December 12, 2019 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Drop in Yoga Tallaght Cancer Support for all affected by Cancer

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

December 12, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

13December 13, 2019 14December 14, 2019 15December 15, 2019
16December 16, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: CA Meeting

Retreat House: CA Meeting

December 16, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

More about Retreat House: CA Meeting

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Circle Dancing

Retreat House: Circle Dancing

December 16, 2019 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Circle Dancing

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Men’s Yoga

Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

December 16, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

17December 17, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

December 17, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Shine Yoga

Retreat House: Shine Yoga

December 17, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm

More about Retreat House: Shine Yoga

Category: ChoirRetreat House: Zen Meditation

Retreat House: Zen Meditation

December 17, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Zen Meditation

18December 18, 2019

Category: ChoirRetreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

December 18, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: John Main Christian Meditation

19December 19, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

December 19, 2019 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm

More about Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple

20December 20, 2019 21December 21, 2019 22December 22, 2019
23December 23, 2019

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: CA Meeting

Retreat House: CA Meeting

December 23, 2019 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

More about Retreat House: CA Meeting

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Circle Dancing

Retreat House: Circle Dancing

December 23, 2019 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Circle Dancing

Category: RetreatsRetreat House: Men’s Yoga

Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

December 23, 2019 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

More about Retreat House: Men’s Yoga

24December 24, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

December 24, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

25December 25, 2019 26December 26, 2019 27December 27, 2019 28December 28, 2019 29December 29, 2019
30December 30, 2019 31December 31, 2019

Category: MeetingsCraft & Chat Group

Craft & Chat Group

December 31, 2019 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

More about Craft & Chat Group

1January 1, 2020 2January 2, 2020 3January 3, 2020 4January 4, 2020 5January 5, 2020
  • 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm, December 12, 2019 – Retreat House: Christian Mystics made simple
  • 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, December 16, 2019 – Retreat House: CA Meeting
  • 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm, December 16, 2019 – Retreat House: Circle Dancing
  • 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm, December 16, 2019 – Retreat House: Men’s Yoga
  • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, December 17, 2019 – Craft & Chat Group
  • 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm, December 17, 2019 – Retreat House: Shine Yoga
  • GET SOCIAL

© 2014 ST. MARY'S PRIORY. All Rights Reserved.
Tallaght Village, Dublin 24, Ireland, tel: +353 1 404 81 00, fax: +353 1 459 67 84, e-mail: admin@stmarys-tallaght.ie
PRIVACY POLICY
SITEMAP

TOP