Serve others with humility and love

by: Br. CJ Vales [cjm]

The election is in the air! Until last Friday which was the last day for filing the certificate of candidacy, the sky of Intramuros was filled with different colors like yellow, orange, red, and blue representing different parties who want to run in Election 2016. We saw that many wanted to assume positions in the government from President to Municipal Councilor. They are coming from different fields like showbiz, sports, business, and of course the veterans in the politics. In the following days, as the campaign period begins, we will hear their ambitions, achievements, and self-promotions. All of them want to serve the Filipino people. But the question is: what is their real intention?

In our Gospel today, Jesus gives us a lesson on how to become a real servant. In verse 43 he says: “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” This is the condition to become great – to be a servant of all, in the example of Jesus. Though He was God, he came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

In other words, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves, put aside our personal ambitions and self-promotions, and not to focus on your achievements. Like Jesus who did not seek to please himself (Rom. 15:3). St. John Eudes reminds us, that to become like Jesus who denied himself, we need to be humble of heart as Jesus himself was.

This reminder is not only for those who want power or greatness, not only for politicians who will run in the election, but for all of us: priests, seminarians, and religious; students, teachers, and even simple housewives. This is a reminder for our everyday relationships and personal encounters. We are called to serve others with humility and love. We don’t need to look far for this kind of service. We can find it in the Church, among strangers, among friends, even in our own families and communities.

Today also is Mission Sunday and we are praying for the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel. We are all also expected to partake in effectively spreading the Gospel so that it may take root in the hearts and minds of those who do not yet know Jesus. Sharing this Good News of salvation through our lives of service gives us an opportunity to really show our beliefs. In this way we love and serve without looking for recognition or credit.

Main source: eudistsphilippines.com...

Following this info in our website CJM...