“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” (Matthew 23:1-3).  

The major theme for this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on the strong invitation of Christ, that challenges us to practice the servant leadership, to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed, and loving service to God and others in the community, without expecting honor or rewards in return. It also warns us against hypocrisy and status-seeking, focusing on pleasing our ego first rather than God and fulfilling God’s will, given to the early Church, and to our own community of faith in Christ.

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve more than to lead, guide and influence. This is different from traditional leadership where the leader's focus is the thriving of their company or organization.

A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. Instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people. A Servant Leader should be focused on, "Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?"

Jesus teaches us that true leadership is exercised effectively from a posture of humility and through our ministry of service. True leaders are enablers, who help others to develop and realize their full potential in meeting life’s challenges.

Jesus didn’t simply mesmerize the masses with great speeches and fine words; he earned attention, even the attention of his opponents by his integrity. His leadership was not that of a commando or guerrilla warrior, but that of a shepherd, elder, brother and friend. People were inclined to follow him because he did not hang back while his followers forged ahead of him, bearing the brunt of the fray; he struck the path and led the way, willingly taking upon himself conflict, rejection, and suffering, to spare and teach his followers.

His leadership was such that people “caught religion,” i.e., they believed and continue to believe because of who he is and what he continues to say to the world.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to practice servant leadership, to follow Jesus Christ more closely, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God.  

How can we help each other follow Christ and become servant leaders in our faith community?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.