The Second Wednesday of Lent

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus was a servant leader and he calls all of us to follow his example. We need to remember that our authority, talents, and accomplishments come from God and should be used in the service of Him and His children. We also have to cultivate a sense of humility so that when we are given authority over others we do not lord it over them. Our every thought, word, and work should imitate Christ and just as he became a slave to all so must we. Last but not least, we ought to develop a spirit of self-sacrifice and detachment from the world so that we can always be prepared and willing to lay down our lives for others.

How are we preparing ourselves to be servant leaders in the Church and to the world? Do we give God the glory for all our authority, talents, and accomplishments? How can we cultivate spirits of humility and self-sacrifice?

O Lord, we want to serve and give our lives for the many.

Amen.