Jesus' disciples are not to seek honourable titles like 'father' and 'teacher' and 'rabbi'.

Our teacher is God, and the true disciples learns only from God.

Jesus calls on his followers to be humble. Our church is to be a humble church. 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10 

Cursed be the cheater,

Who, after promising me a bull from his herd, sacrifices a stunted animal. For I am a great king; and my name is respected through all the nations, says Yahweh of hosts or concern yourself, to glorify my name, says Yahweh of hosts, I will send the curse on you and curse even your blessings.

 

But you, says Yahweh of hosts, have strayed from my way, and, moreover, caused many to stumble because of your teaching. You have broken my Covenant with Levi. Therefore, I let all the people despise you and consider you unworthy, because you do not follow my ways; and you show partiality in your judgments.   

            

Do we not all have the same father? Has the same God not created all of us? Why, then, does each of us betray his brother, defiling the Covenant of our ancestors? 

 

Ps 131:1,2,3 In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

 

＊＊＊ 2nd Reading ＊＊＊

1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13

On the contrary, we were gentle with you, as a nursing mother, who feeds and cuddles her baby. And so great is our concern, that we are ready to give you, as well as the gospel, even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us.

Remember our labor and toil; when we preached the gospel, we worked day and night, so as not to be a burden to you.

This is why we never cease giving thanks to God for, on receiving our message, you accepted it, not as human teaching, but as the word of God. That is what it really is, and, as such, it is at work in you who believe.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊     

Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees have sat down on the chair of Moses. So you shall do and observe all they say; but do not do as they do, for they do not do what they say. They tie up heavy burdens and load them on the shoulders of the people, but they do not even lift a finger to move them.

 

They do everything in order to be seen by people: they wear very wide bands of the law around their foreheads, and robes with large tassels. They enjoy the first places at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and they like being greeted in the marketplace, and being called 'Master' by the people.

 

But you, do not let yourselves be called Master, because you have only one Master, and all of you are brothers and sisters. Neither should you call anyone on earth Father, because you have only one Father, he who is in heaven. Nor should you be called Leader, because Christ is the only Leader for you. Let the greatest among you be the servant of all. For whoever makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"For whoever makes himself great shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be made great."

 Lectio Divina

 Read: Malachi's harsh words describe the consequences for the people of Israel for their lack of fidelity to the covenant. In contrast, Paul speaks of a gentler approach, leading those coming to the faith gently and with care, working hard to bring them into the family of faith. Jesus speaks out against those religious leaders who are more concerned about their own privilege than the needs of the people.

 

Reflect: In his writings, Pope Saint John Paul II frequently expressed the understanding that, for people of faith, to reign is to serve. The Holy Father was echoing Jesus in today's Gospel. While in the world people seek positions of authority to lord it over others or to access special benefits, that is not the way that Jesus' disciples behave.

 

Disciples should be first to serve, pouring out our lives for the good of all people. Each of us is called to serve as we are able. Only by following Jesus' example of humble service will we be made great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Pray: Father in heaven, help me to live my life in humble service to my brothers and sisters, especially those in most need.

 

Act: Look for an opportunity to serve in your parish, diocese, or community.