Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
The best leaders are the best servants. In today’s Gospel, Christ explains this simple truth to James and John, who desire authority alongside Christ. Of course Christ has authority over all creation. But what does sharing in his authority look like? What does it mean to “drink of his cup”? Christ makes it clear: “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” Whoever wishes to be at Christ’s right hand in power must stoop low in humility. And this imitates Christ himself, who washes feet, who “did not come to be served but to serve.” His Godly authority does not seek its own advantage, but instead seeks to benefit others.
Our world could benefit from these words. When we think of our own civil servants, those with power in our country, we seldom think of people who follow Christ’s example here. Instead, we probably think of the type of leader that Christ warns about, the type that “makes its authority felt.” And what about ourselves? How do we wield the authority we are given, whether over children, employees, or the like? If we’re honest with ourselves, we will likely see our own shortcomings as leaders. So today, let’s pray that all who wield authority, including ourselves, will drink of Christ’s cup, so that they may be inspired to serve rather than be served.