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by Allan Tigue
Mt. 23:1-12 
T itles, everybody wants them. Whether it is to be the next president, the CEO of a company, the topnotcher in class, the wealthiest man in the world, the 2010 American Idol, everyone wants to be on top in some area of life.
This desire to be first is also called pride, and God has something to say to us who would desire to be first.
Back in Jesus’s days, most of the religious leaders wanted to be looked at and treated as though they were a step closer to God than anyone else. They wanted to be addressed with special titles, such as “Rabbi.” They wanted others to think they had some special rights that they can brag about.
It is basically the same as today. This is the reason why Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that special titles won’t matter much in the eyes of God. In fact, He says that if you are the type of person who seeks to be first, in truth you’re in the last place.
Friends, God is not impressed with the pride of men. He is the creator of all things and He is more concerned on how love is doing inside our hearts because He loves every one of us, no more, no less than He loves anyone else.
If pride is causing us to feel as though we are better than someone else, then it’s time to refocus ourselves on the virtue of humility. The truth is, God is not interested in how great we are, He is interested in how great others are as a result
of our influence.
Let us learn from Mother Teresa, “Let no one come to you without feeling better and happier when they leave.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, teach us to value others before ourselves. May we humbly come in service to our neighbors and may this be our priority in life. Amen. |
