Better Your Best With Marivic

Greatness – it’s something we all yearn for in one way or another. We want to be the best version of ourselves, make an impact, and leave our mark. But in a world that often measures success by comparison, titles, or material wealth, what does it really mean to be great?

In a homily I once heard, the priest shared a timeless message about true greatness. Drawing from the life of Alexander the Great and the Gospel, he emphasized that greatness isn’t about conquering others or demanding the world to bend to your will. Alexander, after conquering much of the known world, demanded that all people speak Greek and worship his gods. Many followed, while others, particularly the Jewish people, resisted. They chose to remain faithful to their beliefs, even when others mocked them for not conforming.

Fast forward to the Gospel, where the apostles are arguing about who among them is the greatest. Jesus steps in and teaches them a profound lesson: true greatness is not about being better than others; it’s about serving others. It’s about recognizing that each one of us is unique and has gifts to offer, but those gifts don’t make us superior. Greatness lies in using our talents to lift others, not in competing for the highest position.

The priest shared a simple yet powerful story from his childhood. He was learning to play chess, and his teacher pointed out that while the king is the most important piece, at the end of the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box. It’s a humble reminder that no matter how high we climb or what we achieve, we all share the same human fate. Life isn’t about being crowned as the best, but about how we live and love along the way.

So, what does this mean for you and me? It’s easy to get caught up in competition – to want to be smarter, wealthier, or more successful than our peers. But the truth is, we’re all called to something far deeper: to be great in how we serve, how we love, and how we help others grow. Greatness isn’t measured by trophies, titles, or even praise. It’s measured by our willingness to lift up the people around us, to be kind, compassionate, and selfless.

In our everyday lives, whether we are parents, spouses, students, or professionals, we have opportunities to embrace true greatness. As parents, it’s not just about providing for our children, but nurturing them, guiding them, and showing them unconditional love. As spouses, it’s not just about coasting through life side-by-side, but about actively loving and supporting one another through all of life’s ups and downs. As friends, it’s not about who has the most fun or flashy life, but about being there in the moments when it really matters.

The priest’s homily also touched on the reality of titles and recognition. He shared a lighthearted story about how priests were once given the honorary title of “Monsignor” and how it would sometimes spark jealousy among others who didn’t receive the title. But today, those titles have been largely eliminated, and perhaps that’s for the better. After all, we aren’t defined by titles. True greatness isn’t found in being recognized as “better” or “more important” than someone else – it’s found in humility, service, and love.

Jesus didn’t condemn ambition. He didn’t say we shouldn’t aspire to greatness. But He redefined it: “If you want to be great, be the servant of all.” If you want to leave a mark on the world, do so by helping others, by giving more than you take, and by living a life of purpose and generosity.

In a world that constantly tells us to chase power, wealth, and status, let’s remind ourselves of what really matters. At the end of the day, we’re all going into the same box. What will define our legacy is not how much we’ve achieved in comparison to others, but how we’ve loved and served those around us.

So, how can you start being great today? Maybe it’s a simple act of kindness to a stranger, a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, or giving your best effort in whatever task is in front of you. Greatness doesn’t always look grand, but in the eyes of those you touch, it can mean the world.

Let’s aspire to true greatness – the kind that comes from love, humility, and service. Together, we can be better, and by being better, we can inspire others to be better too. After all, greatness isn’t a competition – it’s a journey we’re all on together.