Sunday’s Coming

The mysticism of greatness (Mark 9:30-37)

Mystics experience the holy—an experience that enlarges their interest in their fellow humans.

To receive these posts by email each Monday, sign up.

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Once again, Jesus’ followers struggle to understand the nature of his mission and their role as leaders of his emerging movement. “Who is the greatest among us?” they argue. Caught up in worldly values, they see greatness in terms of access to power and lordship over others.