Our faith is not a Matter of Performance

31st Sunday A Mt 23:1-12
"The greatest among you must be your servant" (Mt. 23:11)

There was an army major who was in his new office when a private appeared at the door. He wanted to impress the soldier, so as he let him in, the major said, "Come in, soldier! I'll be right with you after I answer this phone call." Speaking on the phone he said, "Well, General, good to hear your voice. How can I help you?" After a pause, he then said, "Fine General, I'll call the President within an hour!" Then he said to the rpviate, who was staring at the floor nervously, "Now soldier, what can I do for You?" Without looking up, the private said in a loud voice, "The sergeant told me to come in and hook up your telephone."

Jesus always rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees because they did not practice what they preached. They tied up heavy burdens and laid them on people's shoulder, but not lift a finger to move them. All their works was performed only for show. Just like the major in our story, the Scribes and Pharisees merely wanted to impress people.

For Jesus, greatness does not consist in taking places of honor at banquets, or seats of honor in synagogues, being greeted in marketplaces and being called "Rabbi". Rather, he or she must be the one who serves others.

Jesus invites us to reset our values. While the world tells us to aspire for position, Jesus is saying the opposite, "The greatest among you must be your servant" (Mt. 23:11). The disciples whom Jesus looks for is a humble servant.

Can we serve the Lord, even if there is no position, or we are not elected as parish council officers? Can we serve the Lord even if there is no applause, recognition or publicity? Can we serve the Lord even if nobody sees us? Can we serve the Lord even if we are rejected and humiliated? Can we serve the Lord even if people laugh at us? Can we serve the Lord even if people do not say thanks to us? Can we serve the Lord even if our task is the most menial ones?

William Barclay told a story about a type of disciple that Jesus looks for. A monk was dispatched from one manastery to another as abbot. When he arrived at his new jurisdiction, the monks did not inquire who he was. From his manner and appearance, they judged him beneath them. So they sent him to work in their kitchen at the most menial tasks. Without complaints, their new abbot spent long days scouring pots, washing floors, and shelling beans. Finally, the bishop of the diocese arrived at the monastery. When he could not find the long overdue abbot, he went on a search. Of course, he found him in the kitchen preparing the night's supper. He officially presented him to the monks in their chapel at Vespers. The disposition of this abbot taught them a lesson in humility.

God calls us to serve Him many various ways. Titles and positions are only good if they help us fulfill our tasks. But if they will make us proud, we are no better than the Scribes and Pharisees. Remember, for Jesus, the greatest is not the person with titles or positions but the one who serves others.

Our faith is not a matter of performance geared to impress people. It is a matter of humble service.

- Fr. Nony S. Villaluz