To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Gospel Commentary for August 28, 2025
The Last and the First
A funny TV program during the papal conclave asked children who they thought would be the next pope. One child answered: “They will have a race, and the one who comes in last…” Why? Simply because of what today’s Gospel says: whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all.
Maybe the fact that Cardinal Robert Prevost, an Augustinian, is now Pope Leo XIV did not come from the children’s advice, but it surely fits the Gospel logic. The pope, “the servant of the servants of God,” celebrates today with the whole Church his holy patron, St. Augustine.
Jesus said something important: “Whoever wants…” In today’s world there is a lot of careerism—people climbing up at any cost. But in Christian terms, it is not about wanting to rise above others or take the first place. It is about wanting all to be great before God, giving Him glory, living the purpose for which we were created.
As the Catechism of Astete put it: “God created man to serve Him in this life and then enjoy Him forever. God gave us our senses and all our members so that with everything we may serve Him in all things.” So the greatest person is the one who does not waste any of God’s gifts but uses them all to serve.
St. Augustine, the great philosopher and thinker, served the Church for centuries not only with his knowledge, but above all with what made him truly great: his discovery of true beauty and truth. He said it came “late,” but never too late in God’s eternity. From that moment on, he gave everything he was and had to serve God and the Church.
The children were right, because they had understood Jesus’ logic: the one who comes in last will be the servant of all.