This morning, before I reflect on the Scriptures, I want to wish you a very blessed Spring Day!
The sight that is presented to us in the Gospel is not an edifying one. The pharisees
were religious people, they set themselves up to be models to others. Yet, in this scene, they are all scrambling for the places of honour, showing how proud, vain, and selfish they really were. They were there not at the banquet to honour the host and other guests but, sadly, to honour themselves. They had forgotten that it was not the place that honours the guest but the guest that honours the place.
As we reflect on this text, we can ask ourselves what kind of example we set, what kind of models we are to others, most especially, to young people.
This week, again, we have seen how dis-edifying those in leadership in our country are. Behaving badly in parliament or physically attacking each other in a media briefing!
What do young people think – and learn – when they are witness to such appalling behaviour? What kind of role models do we offer them? Many of our leaders have little desire, it seems, to serve or honour the people who voted for them, they are there to honour themselves alone – like the pharisees.
Pope Francis has made a global impact because many people – even
outside the Catholic Church – see him as one who does not seek a place of honour. Pope Francis teaches us that privilege, status, and rank are not important, differences do not count. He teaches us that what is most important is people and not the position anyone holds. He teaches us that we are not about honouring ourselves but honouring all those around us – especially the most vulnerable and abandoned.
Jesus invites us to think about the models we are but also the models we uphold for others. Each of us can have an impact on the lives of others – parents on children, ministers on congregations, leaders on those they lead.
Take time to ask yourself today: What kind of model am I to the people I meet daily? Who do I
point to and uphold as a model for those around me?
