To Lord or Not to Lord

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

One of the temptations in having younger siblings is the felt need to remind  them of their place in the family “pecking order,” especially when it comes to  certain privileges that belong to the eldest sibling(s). Every social, political, or  family group has “elders,” either by age or rank, who claim certain privileges as  their due. Another way to put this is “lording it over others.” 

Jesus works to undermine this approach to community life. He has been teaching his disciples that he must suffer, die, and then be raised to eternal life. He  has just finished telling this to them for the third time when James and John come  up to claim a seat at his right and left when he comes into his kingdom. After  all, they were among the first to be called! No wonder the others were about to  throttle them—not because James and John should not have made such a claim,  but because they beat the others to it. It’s hard to give up “lording” when the  opportunity arrives. 

The Letter to the Hebrews speaks of Jesus as the great high priest able to  sympathize with us in our weaknesses, similarly tested, yet without sin. This  Jesus calls us to service, warning us, as he did the disciples, against lording it  over one another and making our authority felt. We too are to follow him in the  way of service and self-giving, caring for our brothers and sisters, humbly and  without regard for reward. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Are there particular circumstances that tempt you to “lord it over”  someone else? What do you do? 
  • Do you believe that Jesus really was tested in every way and yet  was without sin? Which part of this do you find hardest to believe? 

Responding to the Word

Lord Jesus Christ, you teach us that we will find honor in serving each other,  not in seeking positions of superiority or power over others. You came to give  your life as a ransom for “the many”—meaning “for all.” Give us a share in this  spirit of generous service.

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