Readings
I - Jer. 18: 18-20
II - Mt. 20: 17-28
NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus tries to explain about his rejection, suffering, crucifixion, death and resurrection to his disciples while the mother of Zebedee asks of seats for his sons, one on the right and one on the left of the Son of Man. This infuriates the other disciples wherein Jesus intervenes to explain to them that greatness actually consists in being and becoming a servant and slave to others in the name of charity and service as willed by Jesus and projects himself as a model to them: “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.
There is a supreme philosophical concept of charity in Indian tradition - Nishkama karma – self-less action done without any expectation of benefits and results. Just to go on serving as did Jesus without giving much weightage or in other words ignoring all praises, glory, honour, appreciation, insults and oppositions. Even if need arises in this process to give up life. Let the life of the Australian Missionary, Graham Stains who served the lepers of Odisha village, St. Mother Theresa who took care of the destitute and the dying in Calcutta and Bld. Rani Maria who worked for the tribals in Madhya Pradesh serve as examples to live modelled after our Master Jesus Christ. May our self-giving and self-less living testify to Christian living ignoring the temptation of becoming powerful. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, make me like you”.
