One of the questions we have to answer throughout our lives is to what degree we are going to choose to serve others rather than just ourselves. The sons of Zebedee, James and John, are seeking the places of honor on either side of Jesus at the table in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is not interested in who sits at His right or left; what interests Him is whether or not James and John are willing to serve the Gospel.
The challenge that Jesus gives to James and John is the same one that we all have to face if we are going to take on the life of a disciple. The other disciples are no better than James and John as their indignation indicates. This indignation could be seen as a sign of their disapproval of the request of their colleagues but it is probably a little more than that as it also implies that they have just as much “right” to those seats as James and John. Perhaps they are more annoyed by the fact that James and John got their application in first.
Anyway, Jesus is not buying any of this and immediately shifts the focus to an exhortation on discipleship, service and true leadership. Leadership in the Church is all about the delivery of the services that the Gospel demands the people of God have a right to receive. A leader must be willing to lay down his life in the service of the People of God, not seek places of honor at parties and society events. Yes, honor does often accompany good leadership, but a good leader will never be influenced by it. As soon as honor becomes the focus of the leader, that is the day that corruption begins its insidious growth in the life of the society in question.
Let us pray for all the world leaders that will focus on service, not honor. I am sure that if this happens, the world will become a far better and fairer place to live in. The choices we make as individuals will support the movement of leadership in one direction or the other. Let us not underestimate the power of our choices. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
Reflection Question:
What are the traits I look for in a good leader? Do I reflect these values in my life or do I have a way to go in being a witness to good leadership?
Holy Spirit, help me to seek the gifts that matter and will contribute to my capacity to lead well when I come before God in prayer today.
St. Victorian, pray for us.
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