Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
August 26, 2023

Today’s Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082623.cfm

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Today, in God’s Lavish Mercy, we continue with the story of Ruth, prototype of the Servant Christ. And we pray our first reading in the light of today’s Gospel in which Jesus teaches his disciples a key lesson in servant leadership:

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.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

Matthew 23: 1-7

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Jesus is so clear in this teaching. How is it that, even after 2000 years, we still don’t get it!

Stop and think about our culture – how we worship glitz, and bling, and “blow-em-up”! Listen to some of our political rhetoric filled with narcissistic “me-ism” and violent braggadocio. Look at some of the people in leadership positions around the world! They are tangled in their “phylacteries and tassels” and tripping us up with them.

Yes, even in our churches, we sometimes encounter supposed leaders who delight in places of honor and who lay burdens on the faithful rather than lift them.

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Our first reading offers us humble Ruth who led and healed by selfless love.

Our Gospel reminds us that the Christian life is one of servant leadership fueled in a God-centered community to which all belong as sisters and brothers.

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:8-12

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History is the story of our struggle to find that balance of leadership and community that will foster the life of all people. It is the great struggle between sin and goodness, between a life lived only for self and a life lived generously with others.

As we deepen our spiritual understanding with today’s readings, we may see ways that we want to act and choose more intentionally around the ministry of leadership – as it is exercised by ourselves and by others.

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Prayer: from Jesuit Resources at Xavier University.org

A Leader’s Prayer

Leadership is hard to define.
Lord, let us be the ones to define it with justice.
Leadership is like a handful of water.
Lord, let us be the people to share it with those who thirst.
Leadership is not about watching and correcting.
Lord, let us remember it is about listening and connecting.
Leadership is not about telling people what to do.
Lord, let us find out what people want.
Leadership is less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.

Lord, as we continue to undertake the role of leader let us be
affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your son Jesus.
Let us walk in the path He has set and let those who will, follow.

Let our greatest passion be compassion.
Our greatest strength love.
Our greatest victory the reward of peace.

In leading let us never fail to follow.
In loving let us never fail.

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Hymn: Prayer of St. Francis