Let Go and Level Up

Reflection Date: May 27, 2026 | Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
Daily Readings: 1 Peter 1:18-25; Mark 10:32-45

Children of God:
There is a famous story about Francis of Assisi that often raises questions: is it true that he walked naked? 

The answer is yes, but the context is very important. 

Francis was born into a wealthy family and enjoyed a comfortable life. 

However, after a deep conversion, he chose a life of poverty and simplicity. 

His father strongly opposed his decision and even brought him before the local bishop to demand repayment of money Francis had used for the Church. 

In that dramatic moment, Francis removed all his clothes and returned them to his father, declaring that he now had only God as his Father. 

This act was not about shock but about total detachment from wealth and worldly identity. 

It symbolized his complete surrender to God. 

From that point on, Francis embraced radical poverty and service. 

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus walked ahead of his disciples toward Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaited him. 

He spoke about his passion, yet James and John asked for positions of honor. 

Jesus responded by teaching them about true greatness, saying, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant” (Mark 10:43). 

He turned their expectations upside down and revealed that greatness in God’s kingdom meant service and sacrifice. 

What can guide us today as we reflect on this?

First, true greatness is measured by how we serve others.

Jesus challenged the common understanding of power and success. 

Instead of seeking status, he pointed to service as the path to greatness.

The disciples struggled to understand this. 

They were thinking of positions and recognition, while Jesus spoke of humility and sacrifice. 

His life itself became the example of what he taught. 

He led not by authority alone but by service.

In our lives, we often measure success by achievements and recognition. 

Yet Jesus invited us to see things differently. 

Serving others, even in small ways, reflects true greatness. 

When we choose to help rather than to be praised, we follow his example.

True greatness is measured by how we serve others.

Second, following Christ requires letting go of what holds us back.

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). 

Jesus showed that discipleship involved self-giving. 

Letting go was part of the journey.

In our daily lives, we are also invited to let go. 

It may not mean giving up everything, but it involves releasing pride, selfishness, or attachments that limit us. 

When we let go, we become more open to God’s purpose. 

This freedom leads us closer to true joy.

Following Christ requires letting go of what holds us back

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: In what ways can I serve others more sincerely in my daily life? 

What attachments or attitudes do I need to let go of to follow Christ more fully? How can I redefine greatness according to the values of the gospel?

Children of God: 

The gospel teaches us that greatness is found not in power but in service. 

Jesus himself showed this through his life and mission. 

We are invited to follow his example in our own way. 

We must remember that serving others is not a burden but a calling. 

We may not be asked to do something as dramatic as Francis, but we are called to be faithful in small ways.