CREDIBLE SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13; Matthew 23:1-12
A pastor was excited that a university professor was coming to his parish. The pastor endeavoured to prepare and to deliver better homilies. A few months later, while chatting with the professor, the pastor found that the professor came to the parish not because of the homilies; he came because an elderly couple made him feel welcomed and valued. Hospitality outdid erudition. Servanthood surpassed showmanship.
That’s the thrust of this Sunday’s readings.
Malachi condemns the priests for not living up to the priestly ideal and for causing the people to falter. The consequence? Yahweh will make them “despised and abased before all the people.”
In the gospel, Jesus condemns the pharisees because theirs was a religion of legalism and ostentation; theirs was a life that lacked credibility. Jesus condemns not religious authority but its abuse as a means of self-promotion.
In contrast, Paul had a deep pastoral concern for the Thessalonians, and describes his pastoral ministry among them as being “like a mother taking care of her children.” Part of this concern was shown in his refusal to be an economic burden to the infant community; he worked night and day to earn his living.
Jesus says God will humble self-glorified leaders and exalt those who practise credible servant leadership!
Today’s readings present two models of leadership: the model of showmanship described in the first reading and the gospel; the model of gentle and nurturing concern which Paul shows towards the people of Thessalonica.
What kind of leader and disciple am I?
What kind of religion do I follow: a religion that is inauthentic, preoccupied with rules, and focuses on externals and ostentation; or a religion that is authentic, people-centred, and spirit-filled?
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