“…WHOEVER WOULD BE GREAT AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT” (Mark 10:43)

⏰Wednesday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (30 May 2018)

📖1 Pet 1:18-25; Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 (R.v.12a); Mark 10:32-45

Jesus had just informed his disciples that he was going to Jerusalem to suffer in the hands of the Jews (cf. Mark 10:33-34) but they were obviously not listening. They were rather more interested in what they shall gain from following him (cf. Mark 10:28) and in positions of authority and prestige (cf. Mark 10:35, 41).

That is not different from what happens in our country’s leadership today. Our understanding of leadership is having others worship us and jumping around the whole place in bullet-proof tinted-glass vehicles, escorted by highly armed escorts and blocking other road users from enjoying the comfort of the road.

When points like this are made, the response is normally, “Tell them!” But let us also evaluate how we lead in our own micro places. Am I more interested in the title and privileges attached to my vocation or profession than in the service?

We must not forget, as St. Peter tells us, that we have been ransomed by the blood of Christ (cf. 1 Pet 1:18). That is why St. Paul tells us that none of us lives for himself only; if we live, we live for Christ (cf. Rom 14:7ff).

Jesus reminds us today that service is the reason for authority and power. Let us therefore continue to pray for all those who are currently occupying different positions of authority in our society, that we all might be more interested in service as God would want us to be. And so, may we have a society where just equity, justice and love reign. Amen.

Have a grace-filled day. Peace be with you.