I am not sure that I am the right person to offer today’s reflection. I hate being unseen. I want to be noticed and honored. I hate being weak and not good enough – the exact same things the Pharisees are trying to avoid – and what does Jesus do? He issues many condemnations upon them.
In good Ignatian fashion, I place myself into this scene and I am one of the Pharisees wearing a giant phylactery on my head and tassels longer than I am tall. It is laughable really. We talk a good talk, but our walk is far from God. I have deep wounds that trigger my desires for recognition and acceptance. I wonder if the same was true for the Pharisees. Why did they seek places of honor and prestige? We all desire to be seen and known by God (CCC 27), but are we demanding others to fill this role? Only an honest examination of conscience can help us answer this.
Are my actions humble?
- Do I hold those I have authority over – children, employees, students, or patients – to severe standards without offering help?
- In my efforts to prove myself, am I unknowingly putting unrealistic expectations on those around me?
- Do I complain about or seek attention from my family for all that I do?
- Do I seek attention through actions or in conversations so as to be seen as more holy, religious, intellectual, or socially connected?
- If I work within the Church, am I giving of myself with generosity or resentment? Do I judge and gossip about those who don’t fall into the norms of the faith?
Jesus calls all of us to leadership whether in the home, the Church, or in the world. That is what discipleship is – leadership. St. Paul confirms what Jesus showed us in choosing weak and lowly men to be His closest 12 disciples (1 Cor 1:26-29). Jesus wants humble disciples who will serve. He demonstrated this in His own life.
God could have come in strength, majesty, and power to lead as a king, but instead, He came as an infant dependent on Joseph and Mary. He came with authority but taught others by His example of service (like when He washed His disciples’ feet in John 13). Jesus calls us today to see ourselves for who we are, beloved children of God, fully dependent on the Father, weak on our own, but strong in humble service of God and neighbor.
Daily Reading
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Reading 1 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your…
Saint of the Day
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, born circa 315, died 386, was a pivotal Bishop and Doctor of the Church, renowned for his staunch opposition to Arianism.
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