Neither Position Nor Status Matters

25 July 2011

Today’s Readings: 2 Cor 4:7-15/ Mt. 20: 20-28

REFLECTION
We are not the first of Jesus’ followers to be interested in status. A mother asked for a great position for her sons. We do not know whether she did it on her own or at her son’s request.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus used the occasion to teach all of them about the relationships he wanted among his followers. These relationships have nothing to do with status. They are not based on the position of one above the others. Relationships among Jesus’ followers are to be based on servanthood. Greatness does not come from importance but from service.

If we serve one another, we become great in the eyes of God not because of our position but because of our servanthood. What then should be our attitude toward those who have status and those who have not? Jesus makes status unimportant. Position does not matter, whether we have it or we do not. Only our service to others is important in the kingdom – in the eyes of God.

PRAYER
Loving Father give us the grace that we may not be enslaved by positions in life. Teach us to be generous in sharing what we have with those who have less.

In Jesus’ name we pray – Amen.