|
Friday, April 09, 2004
Alipio: Wanted: Servants in the kingdom
By Fr. Jose Alipio
Lifelines
John 13:1-15
EVERY society can be both understood and judged by the ideal person it holds up for itself. We all remembered that Greece had become known for having idolized the image of a philosopher, strolling the streets of Athens surrounded by eager students. Ancient Rome, in contrast, accepted the model of a strong, stoic soldier, marching anywhere without question on the orders of the Imperial Caesar.
The Renaissance world virtually worshipped at the shrine of beauty and art, as created by painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians. In Nazi Germany, a madman named Hitler created the concept of an Aryan superman ruthlessly trampling lesser breeds of human beings underfoot. And modern-day America has taken the successful executive, dressed smartly while carrying an expensive leather brief case, as a kind of cultural idol.
But when Jesus wanted to create the image of the ideal person in the kingdom he had come to establish and affirm, he girded himself with a towel, took a basin of water and stooped to wash the feet of his disciples. He did it in an upper room where he gathered with his followers shortly before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. And those who witnessed his actions were stunned, even to the point that Peter tried to stop him. "If you don't let me wash your feet," Jesus said, "then you will have no part of me" (v.8).
It would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of what Jesus was saying and doing. His kingdom must always be understood as standing in stark contradiction to all the kingdoms of this world. When anyone decides to follow Christ, the commonly accepted models of this world must be rejected and replaced by the ideal which Jesus himself embodied. That simply means his followers are to become servants! Philosophers, perhaps. Even soldiers, and artists, and successful executives. But in essence, regardless of what else they do in life, they are to be servants.
Everything Jesus taught during his entire ministry emphasized this essential truth. He consistently denounced pride as a primary sin. He urged people to humble themselves and to understand greatness as requiring them to minister to others. He rebuked James and John for their ambition when they wanted to become great by occupying the chief seats in his kingdom. "Greatness can't be given," he said, reminding them that "whosoever would be great among you, let him become your servant" (Matthew 20:20-28).
Nothing was more difficult for his followers to grasp and understand. Therefore, instead of just telling them what was required of them, Jesus showed them...and us! That is precisely what he was doing as he washed his disciples' feet. He was assuming the role of a servant, modeling the ideal for the kingdom of God. Perhaps his followers would now understand what he meant when he said, "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord" (Matthew 10:24). Surely, his example in that upper room would make it clear. The next move, then, is left entirely up to those who would be like him.
(April 8, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
