The Holy Gospel according to Matthew (23:8-12)
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:
“Do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection: St. Bonaventure was a real cool dude with some high honored acquaintances and friends. He could call St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis … friends. Saint Bonaventure’s holiness and his learning raised him to the Church’s highest honors, and from a child he was the companion of many saints. Yet at heart he was ever the poor as a Franciscan friar and practiced and taught humility and humiliation. Saint Francis gave him his name; for, having miraculously cured him of a mortal sickness, he gave him the name, “O bona ventura” (Italian) which meant good fortune or luck. He is known also known for the fervor of divine love which breathes in his writings. He was the friend of Saint Thomas Aquinas, who asked him one day from where he drew his great learning. He replied by pointing to his crucifix.
Anyone who has worked in any leadership role know that just having a grand title doesn’t necessarily mean that you get instant respect. You have to earn your title by asking others to do something and being able to accomplish these tasks by setting the example. What I mean is by actually doing it yourself. The best teacher, father, priest, deacon or instructor is one who does not rely on his or her position, one who does not demand respect, but earns it through humble service and devotion.
This reminds me of many people in my life (male and female) but I am thinking about a great mentor of mine when I was young, vulnerable and stupid back in my teenage years in high school. I had a mentor who was my coach, my math teacher, and later became a spiritual advisor which led into a great friendship. His name was Coach Straight, and he was like my second father (my father and Coach Straight became best friends). Coach would always show me things not by telling me to do it but he was there with me and showed me how to do it. If it was academics, preparing the baseball field for a game, giving me life advise or even techniques on how to fish; he was right there. His humbleness and humility gained respect from many, many people in which I adored and wanted to have that too. Like my biological father, when Coach Straight told me to do something, my response was “Yes Sir”. Today I utilize these modest techniques from Coach Straight in anything I do. Which includes my family, my ministry works at Mary’s Mercy Center, and during my religious life.
According to scripture and the culture back in those days, “Rabbi” was interpreted by the people as “Master”. “Teacher” was a term that people used as a sign of respect for older men and leaders that gained their respect. If you think about St. Bonaventure and Jesus, these divine men did their work by humbling themselves and setting the example, therefore earning great respect from the people. As scripture states, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Action of the Day: Ask yourself if you have been humbling as you should be. Contemplate what you have done and what you should’ve done. Then ask God how you can accomplish this?
Audio Reflection:
Thank you Deacon Ray for sharing your reflection on July 15, 2004 with us. You made mentioned that compassion, humility and searching for the goodness in others are important virtues that better define who we are and our true characters. In other words, what is our response when unexpected moments occur and when others are not around to see us. We need to remember to walk what we pray and walk what we say. I think that the gift of heaven is made only for those who have humility, charity and have searched and discovered what is good, what is true and what is beautiful in others and those we serve. The best way to build for our future in heaven is to create it now on earth. For in the end, the only things we will take with us are charity and humility and nothing else. Our faith and hope will be realized in heaven where we will serve for eternity.
Thank you always for your reflections for they often provide the perspectives that help me better walk the narrow road despite the challenges that confront me. Blessings.