CREDIBLE SERVANT LEADERSHIP
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Gather as a family/ community; create an environment appropriate for prayer (dress appropriately - switch off your phones...).
We are conscious that Christ is present not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the Scriptures and in our hearts. Even when we are on our own, we remain part of the Body of Christ.
Place lighted candles, a crucifix, and the Bible on a covered table. These remind us of the sacredness of our time of prayer and could help us feel connected with our local worshipping communities.
You may sing or play an appropriate hymn. For instance:
The Sign of the Cross
Greeting and Introductory Words
L: The Lord invites us to the table of his Word: let us bless him for his goodness.
A: Blessed be God forever.
L: A young deacon was to deliver his first homily. Head held high, he strutted up to the lectern. He looked down at the congregation and the words would not come. He burst into tears and walked away head down. An elderly lady remarked: “If he had come in like he went out, he would have gone out like he came in.”
We often strive to exalt ourselves, to impress others, to make a name. Showmanship might impress; it doesn’t touch hearts! The liturgy today calls us to humble and credible service.
Penitential Rite
L: For the times we have sought to impress and have lived inauthentic lives, we ask the Lord to pardon us.
Pause
L: Lord Jesus, you came to serve and not to be served: Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: Lord Jesus, you washed the feet of your disciples: Christ, have mercy.
A: Christ, have mercy.
L: Lord Jesus, you humbled yourself to death on the cross: Lord, have mercy.
A: Lord, have mercy.
L: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
Gloria
Opening Prayer
L: Sovereign God,
conform our lives to the faith we profess,
preserve us from arrogance and pride,
and teach us the greatness of humility and service.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
A: Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
Readings
The readings are those assigned for the day in the Lectionary.
Preferably use a Bible/ Lectionary for reading.
Reading 1 Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
Psalm Psalm 131:1, 2, 3
Response In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
Reading 2 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.
You have but one Father in heaven
and one master, the Christ.
Gospel Matthew 23:1-12
Reflection on the Readings
Use one of the following ways to reflect on the readings.
Lectio Divina
Imagine you are present when Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples. What are your thoughts and feelings when you hear him speak about the scribes and the Pharisees and when he says “the greatest among you must be your servant”?
Sunday Snippets
A pastor was excited that a university professor was coming to his parish. The pastor endeavoured to prepare and to deliver better homilies. A few months later, while chatting with the professor, the pastor found that the professor came to the parish not because of the homilies; he came because an elderly couple made him feel welcomed and valued. Hospitality outdid erudition. Servanthood surpassed showmanship.
That’s the thrust of this Sunday’s readings.
Malachi condemns the priests for not living up to the priestly ideal and for causing the people to falter. The consequence? Yahweh will make them “despised and abased before all the people.”
In the gospel, Jesus condemns the pharisees because theirs was a religion of legalism and ostentation; theirs was a life that lacked credibility. Jesus condemns not religious authority but its abuse as a means of self-promotion.
In contrast, Paul had a deep pastoral concern for the Thessalonians, and describes his pastoral ministry among them as being “like a mother taking care of her children.” Part of this concern was shown in his refusal to be an economic burden to the infant community; he worked night and day to earn his living.
Jesus says God will humble self-glorified leaders and exalt those who practise credible servant leadership!
Today’s readings present two models of leadership: the model of showmanship described in the first reading and the gospel; the model of gentle and nurturing concern which Paul shows towards the people of Thessalonica.
What kind of leader and disciple am I?
What kind of religion do I follow: a religion that is inauthentic, preoccupied with rules, and focuses on externals and ostentation; or a religion that is authentic, people-centred, and spirit-filled?
Questions to Ponder
Reflect on some (or all) of the following questions:
Reading 1: The officials in this reading were responsible for an erosion of faith among the people. What are some contemporary issues that erode people’s faith? What erodes my own faith and what increases it?
Reading 2: What makes Paul such an effective minister, according to this reading?
In whose message am I going to be more interested: one given by someone who cares about me, or one given by someone who doesn’t know my name? How does my response challenge me?
Gospel: Wide phylacteries, places of honour, and titles helped the scribes and Pharisees increase their social status but were those some help for serving others better? What helps me serve?
The Creed
Prayer of the Faithful
L: Let us ask the God of truth and love for truth and authenticity in the Church and in the world, as we pray: Lord, hear our prayer.
R: For all leaders of the Church: that they may manifest God’s love and compassion in their words and deeds and strengthen the community in fulfilling their vocations, we pray…
R: For all who exercise authority: that they may recognize that their authority is entrusted to them for the good of others and never place unreasonable burdens on those whom they serve, we pray…
R: For peace in the world: that God may bring an end to violence, protect the innocent from harm, and open opportunities for dialogue, we pray…
R: That God may heal and restore those suffering and help those who are assisting them to be instruments of his healing love, we pray…
R: For ourselves: that God may help us to show our love to him in all our devotions and never to perform them for show or self-satisfaction, we pray…
L: God, your Son showed us how deep and reliable was his love for you and for us. Make our love as genuine as his, open to your presence in each of us, capable of forgiving injuries, and always willing to share the best of ourselves. Through Christ our Lord.
A: Amen.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
The Lord’s Prayer
Spiritual Communion
A: Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen.
Post Spiritual Communion Reflection
Lord,
if tassels, fine clothes, and terms of respect
can help me to serve others warmly,
then put these all over me.
But since humility must undergird all service,
let my real place of honour
be the very first place to which you call me.
Fill me with your kindness,
your mercy, and your compassion.
Let me be gentle with all people.
CONCLUDING RITE
Concluding Prayer
L: God our Father,
you have chosen us
and filled us with your gifts.
Even our capacity to do good
comes from your kindness.
Make us unaffected and humble
before you and the good there is in people.
May we serve you with joy
in the simplicity of our hearts.
Through Christ our Lord.
A: Amen.
Blessing
L: The Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and lead us to everlasting life.
A: Amen.
L: Go in the peace of Christ.
A: Thanks be to God.
Conclude with a hymn. For instance:
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