The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Herman Suico – Saint Arnold Janssen Parish, Cebu City
Saturday 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Photo: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo – Archbishop of Kinshasa, Congo
Let us admit it. We all want to be a leader, to be at the top, to excel and lead, to garner the highest honor. That’s the way we were formed, educated and trained. There is nothing wrong with this, and actually it is a good thing.
But when we begin to lord it over others, feeling superior and happy to have others at our beck and call, when all the trappings and privileges of the position go into our head, then there’s something wrong. The gospels remind us that talents, intelligence and abilities are gifts from God meant to serve others and build up communities.
One of the temptations of a leader is the abuse of power. When he/she begins to believe that the institution, the company or the community revolves around him/herself, that he/she is indispensable and looks down on others, that his/her word is law and his/her ideas are infallible, watch out, the leader is in for a hard landing. The one who exalts himself shall be humbled.
Jesus in today’s gospel reminds us,“The greatest among you must be your servant.” When your bloated head and ego are up in the clouds, you cannot stoop down to wash the feet of your brothers and sisters as the Master did.
