Reading I: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
GOSPEL: Matthew 23:1-12
Are You Exalted?
Last week the Pharisees asked Jesus what the most important commandment is, and Jesus responded by giving them what we now call “The Golden Rule.” Jesus continues that conversation this week by talking about the delicate balance between loving others and loving ourselves.
A God’s-Eye View
Jesus doesn’t challenge the scribes right to teach or even their role in teaching. But he does take their questions and use it as an opportunity to put things in perspective. Thus he begins to teach the teachers by taking the law and providing meaning and purpose and acknowledging the Spirit of such a law.
Jesus knew that he had to describe the Golden Rule further, so he put it in words they would understand — and these words are still relevant today. For Jesus tells us how God views things.
Jesus was trying to get across the idea that people in positions of leadership shouldn’t exploit it. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, so we shouldn’t view ourselves as being better than others – or become too smug or too cocky about what we do or about the position or title we hold.
Humble: Marked by meekness, or modesty; unpretentious
Last week we came to realize that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. This week we are told to act and speak as though we are all sisters and brothers in God.
Remember, Jesus is telling the people of his day that the titles of Teacher, Father, and Rabbi aren’t bad in and of themselves; it is a person’s arrogant attitude of lording their title over others that Jesus is speaking of. He is telling us that we are great not by our title but by our actions and humble ways.
Exalt: To raise in character, honor and rank.
Humble or Exalt? What are the ways in which we humble ourselves? How do we place ourselves at the head of the banquet? Do we see ourselves as better than others? Jesus challenges us to examine our lives and find the situations in which we place ourselves before others.
How do we place ourselves ahead of others? What does our body language suggest when it comes to the treatment of others? Do we give dirty looks because of the way others dress, act, or look? Do people “different” from us get different treatment than our friends?
If I cut someone off driving through the Church parking lot, I am saying it’s more important that I go now instead of you.
We have a problem at our Church when people don’t park in the designated parking spaces – rather, they park in the fire lane or just make up a parking spot outside the lines. There is plenty of parking available. It would be nice if people parked properly – but they don’t. Instead, they choose to exalt themselves.
For to park outside the lines means it is ok for others to walk from further out in the lot, as long as I don’t have to. We even have people who park in the handicap parking spots not because they are handicapped, just to be as close as possible. How self-exalted is that?
What are some other ways in which we place ourselves above others?
Servant Leadership
The key to this gospel is “The greatest among you must be your servant.” Jesus is telling us to serve others. In this country, and often in the Church, there is quite often the absence of effective leadership. This effective leadership (be it political, religious, or other) is called Servanthood. This style of leadership is what works best in the Church and what would work best in the world today. This is the style Jesus used!
- Listening attentively – giving our time and attention to another.
- Doing small things – the kind, little things that can make the difference.
- Extending common courtesy – holding a door, letting someone walk ahead of you, etc.
- Doing good deeds quietly – things people don’t know you did, and yet make life better.
- Sharing the Word of God – sharing the good news of Jesus when others need to hear it.
- Allowing others to serve – letting people fulfill their service to others, and then simply saying “thank you.”
These are just a few of the ways in which we humble ourselves and can exalt others. If we spend our lives building ourselves up, then we will always act according to “what do we get out of it.” But if we spend our lives trying to build up others, then humility becomes an attitude – and eventually a way of life.
Which way is Jesus calling you?
Life Applications:
Do we try to humble ourselves by exalting others? How do you place others first?
What are some ways in which you need to learn to humble yourself?
What are some Servant hood Leadership Styles that you can incorporate into your life?
Check out the REAL Word Podcast for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A):
Original article by Dcn. Jim Corder, 2002-2023.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.