Who would have thought this blog would quote from History of the World – Part 1? Well, welcome to my blog. What quote came to mind after reading today’s Gospel? It’s good to be the King. Why? I’m head of the house, man of the house, the buck stops with me (actually, the buck flows rather freely from my wallet into my kids hands!!!). I am husband, father, bread winner. I bring home the bacon for somebody else to fry up in the pan. I am the KING of the house. So how do I tie all that in with the Gospel? It seems the apostles, the 12 chosen by Christ, were having the same thoughts. They were the 12 picked by God – who on earth could be better than them? And that was the discussion they were having on the way to Capernaum – who among the 12 was the greatest. I have the same conversation in my mind…I was picked by God to be the husband of my wife Sarah, the father of my 8 beautiful children, grandfather of 4 – I am the King. Great, right? When I come home from work, slippers should be placed on my feet, a cold drink into my hand, a warm meal served. Christ agrees – as long as I’m the one doing it…If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. Mark 9:35. Eh, what does Mark know…looks like the same thing Matthew knows (20:26)…It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
Tough concept to fathom – tougher concept to put into action. This doesn’t mean I should be the one responsible for all the chores or work in the house, but it does mean I should be the one setting the example on not only how to get it done but to get it done right (the first time) and to get it done without complaining. If I am going to be King, if I am going to “rule” my house, then I must do this as Christian man, a man of God, a servant to the servants. I do try to behave in this manner, but again, I am an imperfect man trying to behave in a perfect manner. I fall. I get up and start again. I fall. I get up and start again.
I believe the Jesuits have a beautiful tradition. If a Jesuit is elevated to a prominent position in either the Church or the order, once that term for the prominent position is completed, they are given a more humble role in the order – such as the janitor at a retreat house. I’m curious to see what role they give the Pope if he holds true to his word and retires such as Pope Benedict XVI did. I digress. The whole purpose of that tradition is to bring home the statement made in today’s Gospel – If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all. Christ came to serve – not to be served. We must all follow that example. Now, go experience the greatness of being King – humble yourself and put other’s first as any good King would do.
Do something great for our Lord today.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid.
Jesus, I trust in you.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 