The fourteenth word in my Lent lexicon is:
SERVANT.
In today’s gospel Jesus calls his disciples once again to a life of service. He warned them against the hypocrisy of thinking themselves above others and therefore expecting special treatment and concessions.
However uncomfortable the thought we have to admit that we all recognise the temptation in our lives. It’s the way of the world, especially maybe of our own time with it’s concern with appearance and influence.
Beguiling as that can be we are all too aware that it is not the way of the Kingdom that Jesus has come to establish. Instead he comes as a servant, showing us a new way of being, a way of service that asks us to put the needs of others before our own.
During his ministry Jesus gives us plenty examples of what it means to serve as he travels the country, healing, listening & calling people to follow him. Lent give his call to service a greater resonance as we follow him to Jerusalem and the service that won us new life.
In today’s gospel Jesus invites his disciples turn away from the ways of the world and follow his example. He tells them:
“The greatest among you must be your servant. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
His words are also an invitation to us. He calls us to turn away from the ways of our times and to follow his example of service. He challenges us to avoid the false dazzle of the limelight and instead to look for ways we can serve others.
Where is Christ inviting you to find ways of serving others this Lent?