Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest.  Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve.  Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them an actual flesh-and-blood child.  We are called to welcome the particular children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and give them a place of honor in the assembly.

Readings:

Jeremiah 11:18-20

Psalm 54

James3:13-4, 7-8a

Mark 9:30-37