Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
You have but one master, the Christ. (Matthew 23:10)
A successful athlete hails the stadium with outstretched hands, and the crowd erupts in loud cheers. Politicians, celebrities, and well-known religious leaders receive similar star treatment. People hang on their words and pay attention to everything about them, even their style of clothing. It was similar in Jesus' day. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus laments how religious leaders enjoy the privileges of their office. "They love places of honor at banquets . . . greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi'" (Matthew 23:6).
Clearly, religious authority came with perks. Leadership meant status. But Jesus turns this model of leadership upside down. Immediately after his description of those Pharisees who enjoyed their high-and-mighty status, he sets up a new paradigm: "The greatest among you must be your servant" (Matthew 23:11).
The best part of this teaching is that Jesus himself lived it out day after day. He, our Master and Lord, happily welcomed little children. He came into contact with contagious lepers and delivered his healing touch. He showed special tenderness to a prostitute who came uncomfortably close to him. He even got down on his knees to wash his disciples' feet. Clearly, Jesus is not a taskmaster; he is a true shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.
As one of Jesus' followers, you, too, are called to accept him as Lord and Master. What a relief to know that your Master is gracious and forgiving, that he has come not to be served but to serve! So claiming Jesus as your Lord means inviting him to take care of you. The image of Jesus washing your feet may make you feel uncomfortable, but remember what he told Peter: "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me" (John 13:8). That's how deeply he wants to help us.
Will you let Jesus minister to you today? He wants to lighten your burdens and remove your sins. He wants you to encounter him personally, no matter your status or what you've been through. Let him touch your heart so that you will be freed up to follow him with joy and gratitude.
"Jesus, I accept you as my Lord. Teach me to have a heart of service just like yours."
Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Daily Marriage Tip for February 23, 2016:
Consider doing a "feet-up": when your spouse gets home from work, have them put their feet up and relax, and do their usual evening chores for them.