SERVANTHOOD NOT POWER
Greatness is seen in servanthood not power, in giving life away not in
controlling the lives of other people.
Today the church
celebrates the Feast of St. James. In the Gospel of Matthew, James and John's
mother comes to Jesus seeking high positions for her sons. Like political
supporters who strive for influence in the administration of someone in
government, this request was so the two brothers would share in Jesus' power
when he governed from on High. In contrast to that way of running the world,
Jesus says greatness is seen in servanthood not power, in giving life away not
in controlling the lives of other people. James as we know, did come to share
in the self-giving of Christ Jesus. He was martyred for his faith within a
decade or so of Jesus' death and resurrection.
Saint Pope John
Paul II wrote the following in today's reflection in the Magnificat. James the
Greater was the brother of John. A tradition has James preaching in Span after
Pentecost. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have made their way on foot to the
Apostle's shrine at Santiago de Compostela. The Way to Santiago has been
sometimes considered as an example of the Church's pilgrimage on its journey
towards the heavenly city. It is a path of prayer and penance, of charity, and
solidarity; a stretch of the path of life where the faith, becoming history
among mankind.
May we come to
share in the self-giving love of Jesus.