Nov. 5, 2017: 31st Sunday A
Nov. 5, 2017: 31st Sunday A
Click to hear Audio Homily
A few years ago, Time Magazine wrote an article titled, “5 Leadership Lessons You Can Learn From Pope Francis.” One lesson that stood out from the list was, “Set an example.” The article pointed out that Pope Francis’ life of simplicity and poverty and his commitment to the vulnerable helped him preach against corruption in the church, exaggerated clerical privilege, and indifference to the poor. His words and deeds made us clergy uncomfortable because he challenged our tendency to be complacent and hypocritical. Pope Francis is following the footsteps of Jesus who wanted his disciples to be shepherds willing to lay down their lives for their flock.
Jesus’ leadership was in sharp contrast to the religious leaders of his day--the Scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees. Jesus singled them out in today’s Gospel, “For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen.” Jesus showed his disciples in both words and action how to serve. He served whomever he came to encounter whether it be a leper, those possessed by demons, and outcasts like the Samaritan woman at the well or despised tax collectors. Jesus did not coerce or domineer those he served. He showed that service is a mixture of humility and a desire to be near to those he served.
St. Francis de Sales pointed out that, “Humility consists in not esteeming ourselves above others, and in not seeking to be esteemed above them.” Our life is about following Our Lord’s example in serving with humility. What does this look like in our home or workplace? It means putting other’s need ahead of our own. In marriage it means husband and wife choose to unselfishly serve others together; from this they will experience peace, contentment and a deeper bond that strengthens their marriage. It means at work, we encourage a co-worker who is going through a hard time through a hug, an email, or flowers to show that we’re happy to help. No matter how we serve, we must avoid occasions to place ourselves above others through our status, wealth, position, or influence. St. Paul put it this way: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). True discipleship is to have a servant's heart, to have an unselfish determination to serve others. Like Pope Francis let us set an example of humility, simplicity, and poverty in the way we serve others.
Click to hear Audio Homily
A few years ago, Time Magazine wrote an article titled, “5 Leadership Lessons You Can Learn From Pope Francis.” One lesson that stood out from the list was, “Set an example.” The article pointed out that Pope Francis’ life of simplicity and poverty and his commitment to the vulnerable helped him preach against corruption in the church, exaggerated clerical privilege, and indifference to the poor. His words and deeds made us clergy uncomfortable because he challenged our tendency to be complacent and hypocritical. Pope Francis is following the footsteps of Jesus who wanted his disciples to be shepherds willing to lay down their lives for their flock.
Jesus’ leadership was in sharp contrast to the religious leaders of his day--the Scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees. Jesus singled them out in today’s Gospel, “For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen.” Jesus showed his disciples in both words and action how to serve. He served whomever he came to encounter whether it be a leper, those possessed by demons, and outcasts like the Samaritan woman at the well or despised tax collectors. Jesus did not coerce or domineer those he served. He showed that service is a mixture of humility and a desire to be near to those he served.
St. Francis de Sales pointed out that, “Humility consists in not esteeming ourselves above others, and in not seeking to be esteemed above them.” Our life is about following Our Lord’s example in serving with humility. What does this look like in our home or workplace? It means putting other’s need ahead of our own. In marriage it means husband and wife choose to unselfishly serve others together; from this they will experience peace, contentment and a deeper bond that strengthens their marriage. It means at work, we encourage a co-worker who is going through a hard time through a hug, an email, or flowers to show that we’re happy to help. No matter how we serve, we must avoid occasions to place ourselves above others through our status, wealth, position, or influence. St. Paul put it this way: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). True discipleship is to have a servant's heart, to have an unselfish determination to serve others. Like Pope Francis let us set an example of humility, simplicity, and poverty in the way we serve others.
