"The greatest among you
must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself
will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself
will be exalted.”
(Matthew 23:11-12)
Greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking personal glory. True leadership is rooted in humility, not in self-promotion.
We should align our actions with our words and values. Spiritual practices should be genuine acts of devotion, not performances aimed at impressing others. Authenticity in our relationship with God is key.
To rise above, one must stoop low,
For seeds of greatness in service grow.
Not in the throne, nor in the crown,
But where hearts lift the weary and down.
A servant's hands, so rough yet kind,
Hold the power to change a mind.
For deeds of care, unseen, unsought,
Outshine all glories fame has brought.
The humble path, though hard to tread,
Leads where angels gently spread,
Wings of grace to those who give,
A life of love is a life to live.
So let us bow, not to be small,
But to uplift and serve them all.
For in such acts, the truth's unfurled,
The servant’s heart redeems the world.
Lord Jesus,
You came not to be served, but to serve, humble in heart, washing the feet of others, teaching us that true greatness lies in selfless love.
Help me, Lord, to follow Your example, to place the needs of others above my own. Grant me the strength to serve with joy, And the humility to embrace the smallest tasks.
Teach me to see Your face in those I serve, to love without expectation, and to give without counting the cost.
May my actions reflect Your grace, and may my heart mirror Your humility. Exalt me, not in status, but in spirit, So I may glorify You in all that I do.
Amen.
Pericope:
VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
DENUNCIATION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES
Matthew 23:1-36
Gospel Acclamation
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel | Matthew 23:1-12
1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 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. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widentheir phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
