Have among yourselves the same attitude
that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
Who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped.
Saint Paul must have written the first verse of this song of Jesus with as much amazement as we feel when we hear it. Jesus "did not regard his equality with God something to be grasped."
How can someone given enormous authority and power have no interest in it; and consider it rubbish?
When an opportunity opened to become the guardian of a Franciscan friary, I asked my spiritual director, a Poor Clare nun, about it. She replied, "Ken, leadership is nothing but a cross."
Several years later, when I had the position, I was blessed again with two older friars under my authority. They had been guardians at one time, and were very happy to be relieved of it. They saw my mistakes, rarely said anything about them, supported me without hesitation, and made the cross less burdensome. But it was heavy and, after a while I found it unbearable.
Leadership offers opportunities for personal fulfilment -- or flourishing as some call it -- but obedience and humility offer better opportunities. But is there satisfaction in leadership? Not often! And when it comes, it's good only only if it's shared with everyone.
When the Lord saw Satan falling like lightning (see Luke 10:18 and Revelation 12:7-12), he showed how one can enjoy authority. They did well when they used his authority to liberate -- that is, empower -- others. It had nothing to do with them, nor did they consider it about themselves. It was entirely about his Name. And Jesus was glad of it as he approached the humiliation, desolation, and horror of Calvary.
Personal satisfaction bears a vague resemblance to salvation, but should never be confused with it. As a trophy it only sits on the mantle collecting dust. Like equality with God, it's not something to be grasped.
With astonishing courtesy for those who are so obviously his inferiors, Jesus leads us on the road to salvation and freedom. It is through a gate marked with obedience and humility, not, "Arbeit macht frei."
