Of late - perhaps in the last few years - I've come to see references to the "GOAT" everywhere.  My first memory of the term was in the realm of athletics, so I had to ask my sons why we would refer to someone long held as exceptional in his field (I think it was regarding LeBron James, or maybe Michael Jordan) as a goat.  In my mind, that was a deprecating term.  I was a bit embarassed to learn that the Greatest Of All Time acronym was at work!  Since then, it seems the term is used daily - athletics, music, engineering, investing (Warren, anyone??)... all across the cultural spectrum.  What I don't understand is what causes we humans to have this need to name 'The One.'  Why does it matter?

Reading today's Gospel lesson from Mark gave me reason to smile.  Twelve disciples, following our Lord Jesus Christ, had been talking among themselves about which of them would be considered The Greatest.  Can you imagine!?  In the actual presence of Christ, son of God?  Incredible!  What hubris!    

And so our Christ, all-knowing and kind, provided a simple lesson that we likely remember well from our young days in Sunday School.  Even though all of us are special and precious in the eyes of God, none of us is more special or more precious than the next.  A small child, received by Christ, exemplified that if we open ourselves to such a child, we open ourselves to God.  It is through humility and service that we become "first" to God.  Using the powerful words from the first reading, we must be steadfast, patient, sincere of heart and standing in justice, humble, and trusting, among other qualities. 

Let's not aspire to be "G.O.A.T.s" on this earth; rather let's choose to be the least, so that we can be first in God's kingdom.  Amen.