Posted by Word Alive — Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD / November 5, 2023
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – A
Once a politician organized a group of businessmen to talk about world hunger and how to remedy it. “Millions of people in the world are starving. They eat barely once a day,” he said. The guests were dismayed, however, seeing a sumptuous dinner served with overflowing laureate menus and rare brands of wines.
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In this 31st Sunday gospel, Jesus denounced the religious leaders of his time, saying: “The scribes and Pharisees (a member of an ancient Jewish sect) seat in the chair of Moses but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice what they say” (Mt 23, 3). Jesus’ words may well apply to that politician in the above story which shows a yawning gap between word and action.
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One time I was talking to a barangay chairman. I asked him why he kept running for the top barangay position.
He replied: “I want people to have a high regard for me and my family. I want them to recognize me. I feel good when they bow and reach out their hands and make mano to me.”
I admired the man’s candid response, but his motive was self-serving.
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It is hoped that those who won in the just-concluded election and numerous other leaders learn from the following words of the Lord referring to the Pharisees: “All their works are performed to be seen. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honors, and titles.”
“That should not be the case with you,” Jesus added.
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Service was one of the most striking signs of Christ’s own life. He healed the sick, restored the sight to the blind, and raised the dead to life. At the last supper, he washed the feet of his disciples, and after his resurrection he prepared a meal for them on the shore while they were fishing. His whole life was characterized as one of service and compassion. Thus, he said: “The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve.”
Leaders, whether religious, political, or all other authorities, should emulate the humble servant leadership Jesus had taught.
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