they say, but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say. They tie up heavy
burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even raise a finger
to move them. They do everything in order to be seen by people; so they wear very wide
bands of the Law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels. They enjoy the first
place at feasts and reserved seats in the synagogues, and being greeted in the
marketplace and being called ‘Master’ by the people.

But you, do not let yourselves be called Master because you have only one Master, and all of
you are brothers and sisters. Neither should you call anyone on earth Father, because you
have only one Father, he who is in heaven. Nor should you be called leader, because Christ
is the only leader for you. Let the greatest among you be the servant of all. For whoever
makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great.”

Reflect

Most of us know someone whose high standards apply only to other people. They expect
a great deal of others, but do not behave the same way themselves. Perhaps we even see
this behavior in ourselves, giving ourselves leeway that we don’t extend to others. This
attitude is even more problematic when it occurs among religious people who judge others
but do not live by God’s commandments, thus causing scandal.

Jesus reminds us that the way of a disciple is not about garnering respect and adulation
from others and gathering honors and accolades. Instead, the way of the disciple is the
way of humility, taking the lowest place and serving our brothers and sisters. The Gospel
calls us to an honest appraisal of our actions. Do we try to call attention to ourselves and
our acts of kindness? Do we expect thanks for doing as we ought? Do we seek out ways
to assist those in need? How much of our time, treasure, and talent do we spend in
service? How do we make our lives a gift to the God we love?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023