29th Sunday Ordinary Time - B (October 19, 2003)
James and John in today's Gospel would have no problem in our competitive society today. They tried to get one over the rest of the Apostles by asking Jesus for the favored positions, one at the right and the other at the left in his kingdom. They were no strangers to cronyism.
The understanding of greatness of James and John reflects that of the understanding of the world. Greatness is honor and position to be recognized by people, to have special privileges, to be served by everybody. Power is to be at one's personal disposal, especially to accumulate wealth and more power. Jesus observes that in the pagan world: "... those who seem to exercise authority lord it over them; their great ones make their authority felt."
Aren't we familiar with what Jesus was referring to? How often do we find the people in authority making their status known? For example, they keep people waiting while they engage in their favorite tsismis. They ignore traffic rules and other regulations for the common people. And if there is any conflict or problem, instead of trying to settle the matter in a reasonable way, they immediately threaten with words like "Do you know who I am?" (Hindi mo ba ako kilala?) And there are those savages, who in any traffic accidents just beat up the other party or shoot them with a gun. Of course, for those who can afford, there is always the threat of "See you in court!"
But those are just minor things. It seems that in our beloved Catholic country practically all the gambling syndicates, the kidnappings, car-napping, the illegal logging, smuggling, land grabbing, public scams, and drug trafficking involves directly or indirectly some public officials or military officers. People in authority can engage in criminal activity with impunity. This may sound exaggerated, but the Philippines ranks number 10 in graft and corruption in the world.
In this world, the powerful often makes their greatness felt by exploiting the weak and the powerless.
The brothers James and John imbibed the spirit of the world. They spared no time in trying to further their own ambitions for success. Any sense of loyalty was put low on their personal concern. Nothing could be allowed to stand in the way of their desire for personal greatness. The other Apostles were angry with James and John, because they had the same idea.
Jesus came to teach a different concept of greatness: "It cannot be like that for you. Anyone among you who aspire to greatness must serve the rest. Whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all."
It has been over two thousand years since Jesus introduced this radical concept of leadership. We hear about it every so often. Yet, we hardly see it in practice, even in a Catholic country like ours. So, let's take a second look at Jesus' concept of leadership.
1. The leadership that Jesus teaches and models is not a set of things to do. It is not a formula or recipe, but a basic belief -
a) Leadership is an art, an attitude, and a condition of the heart.
b) The art of leadership, as Jesus models it requires us to view the leader as servant, as steward, a slave.
c) For Jesus, leadership was never about privilege, power or glory. It was always about service - service to people.
2. The leadership that Jesus teaches and models begins with a servant mentality
a) Servant put the needs of others first. They expect to be of service and are not put of or offended when they are asked to give of themselves.
b) Indeed, servants expect to receive orders. They expect to sacrifice themselves for the needs of others.
c) They put themselves at the disposal of those who would benefit from their service.
d) Servants expect to give rather then to receive.
3. Followers of Jesus - that is, we Christians - are by virtue of our baptism into Christ, service oriented. It is impossible to be a follower of Christ without a servant mentality. Each of us is called and initiated to Servant Leadership -
a) It is impossible to be a true follower of Christ without a servant leadership mentality, attitude ands condition of heart.
b) Servant leaders, like Jesus, call forth their own gifts and the gifts of others in cooperative leadership.
c) Servant leadership is the ability to influence others for better.
The author Patricia Leimbach presents some important questions to consider in choosing a leader for us. "Is he/she headed in the right direction?" In response to the question, we might ask ourselves:
d) Do I acknowledge the many God-given gifts I've received? Am I constantly grateful for those gifts?
e) Am I comfortable being needed? Or do I resent it?
f) Am I comfortable with being useful? Do I realize that being useful is not the same thing as being used?
g) Am I attentive and responsive to the needs of others?
h) Do I find ways to be helpful to others - at home, at work, with friends in my neighborhood, my Church?
Francis Joseph was emperor of Austria and king of Hungary from 1848 to 1916, one of the longest reigns in history. It was also the most progressive. Francis Joseph could be strict, but mostly he reigned with kindness. Early in his reign, an epidemic of cholera swept through Europe. Francis Joseph was advised to leave Vienna and take refuge in Salzburg until the plague was over.
"Will there be room enough in Salzburg for all my children?" asked the emperor. "Certainly, your majesty," replied the counselors, "there is plenty of room for all the royal family." "Is there really room for all my children?" The monarch repeated as he pointed from the window to the crowds below. "Look at all those people. They are my children. Should their father forsake them in danger? No, my beloved Viennese have always shared my joys and my sorrows. I will not abandon them in their hour of trouble."
Critically needed today are true Christians and leaders. Can Jesus count on you? Christ's glory came about as a result of his service, self-sacrifice and servant leadership. Our glory comes about in the same way. Will you follow?
