If you ain't first, you're last

Pop culture tells us that to be successful and happy, we need money, fame, big cars, big houses, and beautiful spouses. A popular 2006 movie, Talladaga Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, sums this up in one sentence, "If you ain't first, you're last." Yet, there are plenty of other places to finish, second, third, maybe even fourth. A person's best effort in competition may only put them in third place. But, people get so consumed in getting more and more of the above that they are never satisfied. Their life becomes a selfish quest to be first.

This is a problem of pride. In his homily Sunday night, Father Carsten spoke about the art of dialogue and conversation. Conversation is defined as the informal interchange of thoughts or information. As Father pointed out though, most conversations go something like this.

Person 1: I went to this great restaurant the other night, they had this seafood platter that was unreal.

Person 2: Yeah...my biology homework is really difficult tonight, do you know what mitochondria does?

Person 1: No clue. But yeah, I loved the shrimp. The cocktail dipping sauce made the meal.

Person 2: Shrimp is gross. I can't wait to get this overwith, my favorite show is on in 15 minutes.

Person 1: Okay, I'll talk to you later.

Person 2: Yeah good call, let's do this again soon!

Seems unrealistic, but tell me you have not had an exchange like that before. I can't even call it a conversation. Each person is so wrapped up in their own little world that they can't appreciate or share anything with anyone else. They are robbing themselves of a valuable exchange of information where they can learn about another person.

Many believe that Jesus' presence is felt the most when people are getting together and sharing views and ideas. What happens then, when both sides are so one-sided that nothing is shared? He is still there, but what would he think? We are supposed to care for others more than ourselves. Conversation and dialogue is one of the only ways to learn about that other person. Selfishness and pride leads to the failure of any exchange of thoughts.

Mark's Gospel says,
"...whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all."

You can't make yourself better than your peers. We are all equal in God's eyes. If everyone can just have an actual conversation, pride will be washed away, and instead of serving all, we can serve each other by sharing thoughts and information on the road to true happiness.

"...whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all"

That's Talledaga Nights...Bible style...