Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Monday, September 28, 2026

Gospel

Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples

about which of them was the greatest.

Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child

and placed it by his side and said to them,

"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,

and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

For the one who is least among all of you

is the one who is the greatest."

Then John said in reply,

"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name

and we tried to prevent him

because he does not follow in our company."

Jesus said to him,

"Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Reflection

In today’s Gospel, the disciples are arguing about which of them is the greatest. Jesus, knowing what is in their hearts, pulls a child to His side and says “the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest”. He then goes on to tell John, who had just explained how they stopped a person from casting out demons, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you”.

I found this part of the Gospel to be quite powerful because I think it speaks to God’s mercy and how He knows what is truly in our hearts. This is also a very uniting statement, especially when we consider the world we live in today and the division that can exist between people of different backgrounds and beliefs. It can be easy to focus on the ways we are different from one another, but Jesus reminds us not to prevent or reject someone simply because they are not part of our group. If someone does something good, does that good become lesser simply because they do not share our beliefs or do things the same way we do? I think there is something beautiful about being able to see the good in others, even when they may not believe or worship in the same ways. In a world where people are quick to divide each another, I think Jesus is reminding us to lead with mercy, humility, and love.