Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
Everyone needs recognition. Along with our physical needs for food, water, sleep, and shelter we have our emotional needs for security and reassurance, and our spiritual need for recognition. If I present myself to others saying, in effect, "I exist, I matter, and I make sense," I need others to reply, "You are here among us; you matter to us; and we willing to understand you." In God's kingdom, or an ideal world, everyone would receive the welcome they deserve, and would readily accord the same to others.
But we don't live in that world. Some people suck all the oxygen out of the room as soon as they join a group of people. Perhaps they've earned it by their talents and accomplishments. Or perhaps they just take it by overtalking others; or worse, by whining, puling, and "volunteering victim."
Jesus lived in our familiar world and he readily pointed out, for instance, "the scribes who like to go around in long robes." They got their recognition from him! And perhaps they liked it. As entertainers know, "There's no such thing as bad press." Even impeachment is delightful recognition for some needy souls.
Jesus both modelled and taught his disciples to take the lowest position. They should be the least of all and servant of all.
In our Catholic tradition, the pope is sometimes called servus servorum dei, the servant of the servants of God. His authority is to serve and his example should percolate downward through the entire church; through cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, catechist, lectors, administrators, even to the sick, disabled, imprisoned, and so forth. Each one serves in some capacity, if only to say "Thank you for your kindness."
As Saint Paul urged the Philippians, we should have the attitude of Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Human beings must always accord authority to leaders, whether they are civil or ecclesial, professional or volunteer. They should be competent and willing to lead. But they should no more crave authority than a turtle would escape its shell.
Democracy works so long as the powerful are willing to disown power, returning it to the electorate. The wealthy serve society so long as they use their wealth to enrich others. But when they "do good to do well," they sabotage the very reason we accorded them such authority.
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity teaches us that the most powerful easily, instantly divest themselves of power. The Father has handed all authority in heaven and earth to his Son, who as readily hands the same authority to the Spirit which governs the Church, which must serve others with its mission of speaking truth to power.
Those who cling to power are owned by their power, and pathetic. Those whose only pursuit is power are diabolical. They will be destroyed by the one who judges justly.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.