SERVICE, NOT STATUS, AND TRUE HUMILITY IS THE MARK OF THIS NEW COMMUNITY
The central theme of today’s readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed and loving service to others in the community without expecting honor or rewards.
Today’s Gospel is a warning against hypocrisy and status-seeking, given to the early Church and to our own Church communities. Jesus offers a word of judgment against contemporary religious leaders who are more concerned about self-promotion than service to others. Christ-like leadership calls for integrity and honesty from all those in authority, whether priests, parents, teachers or politicians. There should be in leaders no double standards. Rather, there should grow a deep sense of equality with, and mutual respect between, leaders and those they rule. Each should seek to serve the other. Service, not status, is the mark of this new community, and true humility is the only position its members should seek.
Excerpt from Fr. Tony Kadavil’s homily on Mt 23:1-12 available at www.cbci.in/Sunday-reflection