Greatness means service and slavedom.

The story of Roberto Formigonis, who was forced to dissolve the Lombary/Milan government this week, is intriguing, to say the least.

Formigonis is a prominent member of Communione e Liberazione.

If one thinks of all the issues that cause sraps between the Catholic Church and 'others', tomorrow's Gospel never seems to cause problems or scraps.

Of course we can always find justification for our own story in the Bible, nevertheless, the story of service we read about tomorrow never seems to cause a whit of embarrassment to high church officials.

Anyone who saw the bishop of Essen and bishop to the German Army, Overbeck, on the Anne Will German TV programme during the week must ask where exactly does the Catholic Church stand when it comes to supporting the poorest of the poor.

Is the church a communion of service?

"Anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant."

That's a direct quote from the words of Jesus. They will be read around the world in churches tomorrow.

It's a puzzle and so often so well airbrushed.