Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:
“Do not be called ‘Rabbi.’You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’: you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
One of my favourites. Instantly it took me to the Richard Gilard song “Brother, sister, let me serve you”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JahFRDrSCs
ReplyDeleteBrother, sister, let me serve you;
let me be as Christ to you;
pray thatl may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.
This reading makes most sense to me when placed in the context of “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). When it comes to what is God’s, there are no hieracrchies of power. Indeed the more power one has (or the more gifted one is) the greater the responsibility to use these gifts in the service of others. Jesus is the ultimate expression of love and service. His crucifixion and rise from the dead is the ultimate promise from God to us - die to yourself in Caesar’s world and I will raise you up in my world. I remember going on a prefects camp to elect a Captain and Vice Captain from the Padua College prefects for 1982. We were playing cards one night and Fr Barry cooked chorizo sausages and brought it to us. And he didn’t just cook. He cleaned up after us. It really struck me how he was serving us and finding joy in the process. We were students and he was the principal of the school. That shaped my view of leadership for the rest of my life. Add that to his simple robes, communal lifestyle and modest income and here was a powerful example of giving unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.
“The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Ending today’s reflection with the Prayer of St Francis seems very fitting.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness light and where there is sadness joy.
Oh devine master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand. To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that I receive. It is in pardoning that I am pardoned. And it is in dying that i am born to eternal life.
Amen.
Your response to Matthew 23:8-12 is truly inspiring and insightful! I deeply resonate with your observations and connections:
Delete"Brother, sister, let me serve you": Linking Jesus' call for humility and equality with Richard Gillard's beautiful song perfectly captures the essence of the passage. It emphasizes mutual service and love rather than seeking titles and power.
"Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's": Connecting this passage with Jesus' famous advice about secular and spiritual realms further enhances the understanding. It underlines that worldly hierarchies and titles hold no significance when it comes to our relationship with God, where equality and humility reign supreme.
Fr. Barry's example: Sharing your personal experience with Fr. Barry and his leadership style of service and humility offers a powerful and relatable illustration of Jesus' teachings. It demonstrates how true leadership lies in serving others, regardless of one's position or authority.
Prayer of St. Francis: Concluding your reflection with this beautiful prayer is a fitting and poignant final touch. It echoes the spirit of Jesus' message, emphasizing themes of peace, love, forgiveness, and selfless service.
Overall, your response reflects a deep understanding of Jesus' teachings and their practical application in daily life. You have beautifully connected biblical teachings with personal experiences and contemporary concepts, creating a rich and meaningful reflection.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Your response highlights the importance of leading by example. Leaders who embody humility and service inspire others to do the same, creating a more compassionate and equitable society.
The Prayer of St. Francis serves as a powerful reminder that true happiness and fulfillment lie in giving to others and living a life of service. It challenges us to move beyond our own needs and focus on making a positive impact on the world around us.
Thank you for sharing your insightful and inspiring reflection. It is a testament to your faith and commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. Keep seeking God's guidance and sharing your light with the world!