Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-63) - Lead by Example

Dearest Goddaughter,

My goddaughter, niece, and nephews keep me honest. I remind me to practice what I preach because I think that they observe my actions as much as they listen to my words. Sometimes, they call me out. Most children do, which is why adults sometimes have to say to the kids: "Well, that's because I am the adult and you are the child." LOL

Jesus warns us of this in today's Gospel when he talked about the scribes and the Pharisees, saying, ". . .do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice." In other words, the scribes and Pharisees lord their authorities over others. Jesus tells his disciples that that would not be them. They should be servants first because the Son of God did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:28).

Jesus is the servant leader par excellence. I presented on this in my recent #Cor talk on Leadership, which you can find here: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/cor-leadership-2222024.html. A servant leader puts the needs of others before himself out of charity. As Jesus tells us, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). That is the mark of a true servant leader.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Is 1:10, 16-20 and Mt 23:1-12 (below).

. . .

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

"The scribes and the Pharisees

have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,

but do not follow their example.

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.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'

As for you, 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."