The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the difficulties we may have in being servant leaders as they encourage us to boldly seek help from God.
The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah describes a plot against Jeremiah.
Psalm 31 is a prayer and praise for deliverance from Enemies.
* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6).
* [31:6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Lk 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this Psalm verse. Stephen in Acts 7:59 alludes to these words as he is attacked by enemies. The verse is used as an antiphon in the Divine Office at Compline, the last prayer of the day. (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus foretells His Death and Resurrection and addresses the request of the mother of James and John.
* [20:17–19] Cf. Mk 10:32–34. This is the third and the most detailed of the passion predictions (Mt 16:21–23; 17:22–23). It speaks of Jesus’ being handed over to the Gentiles (Mt 27:2), his being mocked (Mt 27:27–30), scourged (Mt 27:26), and crucified (Mt 27:31, 35). In all but the last of these points Matthew agrees with his Marcan source, but whereas Mark speaks of Jesus’ being killed (Mk 10:34), Matthew has the specific to be…crucified.
* [20:20–28] Cf. Mk 10:35–45. The request of the sons of Zebedee, made through their mother, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers nor the others have understood that what makes for greatness in the kingdom is not lordly power but humble service. Jesus gives the example, and his ministry of service will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)
Tom Lenz comments, concerning the disciples, that the path of self-emptying was theirs to do just as it was his. It seems that Jesus was making a point that “the Son of Man” is going to be handed over and put to death, as if he was saying, “This is what is mine to do, and each of you also needs to find what is yours to do as well.” As he said, “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
One of my favorite theologians and writers is Sister Ilia Delio. In one of her recent books called, “Birth of a Dancing Star,” she helps us with the important questions we have about our life purpose. In one part of the book (pg. 211), she says, “I have a mission because every person has a mission – to be the truth of who they are so that God can be God in them.” Discerning what is ours to do is a big, wonderful, personal, and patient process. And I think that knowing that Jesus was there to guide his disciples through this process means that he is there for us in our discernment as well. As we continue through our Lenten journey, perhaps self-emptying in whatever forms that takes and allowing God to be God in us will provide some clarity on what is ours to do. (Lenz, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “Do you wish to be great?” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Do you wish to be great? Then begin from what is slightest. Do you plan to construct a high and mighty building? Then think first about the foundation of humility. When people plan to erect a lofty and large building, they make the foundations all the deeper. But those who lay the foundation are forced to descend into the depths." (excerpt from Sermon 69, 2) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28 comments that Jesus doesn’t let a teachable moment pass him by. He observes how this conversation affects the other ten apostles. They are indignant! Why should James and John be given higher status than the rest of them? We can imagine Jesus sighing deeply as he uses the opportunity to draw a striking portrait of servant leadership, so different from the domination that worldly leaders exercise (Matthew 20:25-26). He drives the lesson home by highlighting his own example—an example of service and love that he wants them to follow (20:28).
We can easily imagine ourselves in these very human scenes. How privileged we are to have such a patient, perceptive, and gentle teacher! He knows just what lesson we need at each moment in our lives. So ask Jesus what he wants to teach you today. Then sit at his feet, as his disciples did, and listen to him.
“Jesus, I invite you to keep teaching me as I walk with you day by day.” (Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the plot to kill Jeremiah that was triggered by his proclamation of a time of judgement for the people of Judah. The “Confessions of Jeremiah” are his chutzpah conversations with God. Friar Jude notes how the demands of honour and privilege for James and John are seeking an inheritance in contrast to Jesus exhorting them to be servants.
Brian McLaren reminds us that we can trust God with all our emotions, including our anger.
Opening ourselves to God when we’re in need says that we trust God and want God to accompany us, support us, and befriend us in every way.
We trust those we love most with our deepest fears, doubts, emptiness, and disillusionment. So we love God when we share those vulnerable aspects of our lives with God. Just as a little child in the middle of a temper tantrum can shout “I hate you, Mommy!” only because he knows his outburst will not end their relationship, we can express to God our deep doubts, anger, or frustrations only because we possess an even deeper trust in God’s love…. The fact that we share this pain with God rather than withhold it turns out to be an expression of love. [2] (McLaren, 2024)
We are blessed with life, a mission, and our humanity as the basis of our service to others as we are guided by the Spirit to imitate Christ.
References
Jeremiah, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/18?16
Lenz, T. (2024, February 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022824.html
Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20?17
McLaren, B. (2024, February 28). Love and the Fire of Life — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-and-the-fire-of-life/
Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/02/28/903158/
Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?5
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=feb28
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