Lord, watch over your Church, and guide it with your unfailing love. Protect us from what could harm us and lead us to what will save us. Help us always, for without you we are bound to fail. Amen.
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
We get a bit of a comeuppance today as we read this passage. ”The greatest among you must be your servant.” It’s about listening to the cries of the hurt, the maimed and the oppressed and then acting on them without praise or attention. Listen, understand the call and then as a servant help all who you know to be in need. Hear the orphan’s plea (in Haiti… in Afghanistan); defend the widow (in refugee camps in Africa); help the oppressed (in Sevier County).
I find it terribly uncomfortable to read the whole of this scripture for today. I find it much easier to concern myself with the tiny world of my standing with God. But Jesus calls me to the role of a servant wherever we see the need. He calls us to look outside.. at the world.. to see the results of our actions, unintended or not. Ouch.
God in heaven and in my life, guide us and protect us. We so often believe we can save myself and always end in failure. Lead us with your love away from harm and guide us on the right path. May your Spirit inspire the Church and make us an instrument of your love and guidance. Thank you for your care. Amen.
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