Posted by The WORD in other words by Brother Carl Milos Bulilan SVD – Holy Name Univeristy, Tagbilaran City
Monday 18th Week in Ordinary Time
When I was a school administrator, one thing I found hard to adjust was being in the office from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, and 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturdays. Every day, people lined up for consultations and meetings. Papers and bank checks piled up for my signature. To avoid exhaustion, I decided that every weekday at exactly 5:00 PM, whether finished or not, I had to stop working, leave the office, and go home.
Once, when I was about to leave the office, I saw a group of students rushing towards the office. I thought of taking the other way so that they would not see me. But when I was about to go in the other direction, I heard myself saying, “These students want your signature. Otherwise, they could not take the final exams tomorrow! Go back and meet them!” Then, I felt pity. So, I went back, met them, and signed their promissory notes.
I think my experience is something similar to the experience of Jesus in today’s Gospel. After a day’s work, he was already exhausted and wanted to take a break alone in a distant place to relax and recharge. When he saw the people needing his help, he was touched. Then, he chose to attend to their needs while sacrificing his comfort and personal needs. Jesus is giving us an example of servant leadership – putting others first before oneself.
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