Wednesday of the 2nd week of Lent 



Jeremiah 18:18-20

Matthew 20:17-28



“Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”



In the vision of Jesus, leadership goes beyond mere titles and even positions in a group structure. For Jesus leadership might have trappings, but they were not his concern, rather he speaks to the essential dynamic of leading – service.  “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave”. Christ asks us today, how do we utilize the power and authority vested in us in the various capacities we function as leaders both in the Church and outside the Church?


The lesson He gives us today is that no matter the post we occupy in the Church and outside the Church, the best and the greatest way of exercising our authority is not to lord it over people but in service for the good and wellbeing of the people. This is because God is the author of all power and authority who sets the tone for its right usage. And as He used His power and authority to uplift us by accepting to die for us while we were yet sinners, we too must not abuse power and authority but use it for service. 




More so, while Jesus sees that leading entails witness and is observed to entail ‘seats’ of office – he is more concerned to stress that a leader must also be able a prepared to endure betrayal, restriction of liberty, and even death. He speaks openly of his ‘chalice’ as symbolic of these realities. This is how true leaders use authority since it is a privilege given to us by God. The true leader is the one who like Christ is the servant of all. How beautiful the world would be if our leaders and politicians used their authority in this manner. It begins with you and me in the manner we use our authority and power at home, work, school, Church, etc. Ask yourself, how do you use the authority God has given you? We have the finest of leaders to follow – Christ our Lord let us do so. “For The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.





PRAYER


May God's beautiful hands always wonderfully be at work in all you plan and do. May your place remain relevant and beneficial to humanity. May God see you through in all your endeavors. Amen.

Comments

  1. TonyUkaegbuFebruary 28, 2024 at 8:09 AM

    Amen
    Thanks for today's reflection, padre.
    Good morning.
    Have a happy day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Flora OdiachiFebruary 28, 2024 at 6:23 PM

    To God Almighty be the Glory and honour that we are in Jesus name.Amen Peace will never depart from us.

    ReplyDelete

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