There is a saying, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Today's Gospel text offers us something to ponder as we talk about power. One may ask why is it that we need to exercise power? Why does one have to be powerful?
I guess this need to have power and be powerful stems from a great sense of insecurity. We read in the Gospel text how Jesus' inner groups apostles, James and John, came up to Jesus with a request, one to sit at his right and the other on his left.
Jesus, in reply, does not respond to them in any way that would make them feel stupid of what they were asking. But takes the opportunity to enlighten them on what their request entails. Jesus moves from the standard understanding of power to rule and reign Supreme over others to the humble understanding of service where the other is greater than myself.
Jesus, in his discourse, tells them of the kingdom of God for which he came and belonging to this kingdom is a package deal of pain, suffering, humiliation, and service.
In life, we cannot resist the lure of power. We feel it gives us a sense of identity and security.
Let us not be misled with this misconception and go back to where we started; power corrupts absolute power corrupts absolutely.
May we anchor our lives in Jesus, who is powerful yet humble, and may we, in turn, learn from him, for he came not to be served but to serve.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
