Friday, March 22

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22: 24-27)

THE GREATEST AMONG YOU SHOULD BE LIKE THE YOUNGEST, AND THE ONE WHO RULES LIKE THE ONE WHO SERVES

I know a person in his fifties, who has little respect for authority. Be it a traffic speed sign, police officer, or court judge, he plays the aggressor. He, when faced with the consequences of his actions, is always the victim. In conversations he relives past confrontations and feels that he has been cheated and abused. I believe that behind his mask lies fear and on a deeper level, Paranoia --- that situations he experienced in childhood with those who exercised authority over him caused personal trauma that controls his adult life and leads him today --- to the point of no return.

Please read again the heading above. I believe the message of Luke 22: 24-27 is that a person of power and authority controlled by their egoism can bring evil consequences on others. May I always remember that Jesus tells us, “I am among you as one who serves.” I pray that I will also serve while being conscious of my actions and words especially to the young and most vulnerable.

Paul Hanson