HOW NOT TO BE A CHRISTIAN: 31st Sunday OT A

POINTING TO THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

Dear Friends in Christ,

The central theme of today’s readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed, loving service to others in the community without expecting honour or rewards in return. The readings also warn us against the triple vices of pride, idolatry and hypocrisy.

In the first reading the prophet Malachi condemns the irresponsible, proud, lazy priests of his day and warns them about their failures to give proper instructions/teachings/example which consequently led many to stumble.

In the 2nd reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians presents himself as an ideal example of servant leadership in a serving Christian community.

And in the gospel, Jesus uses dramatic language to warn against all forms of idolatry - including making a person into an idol. And he reminds teachers, doctors, fathers that our purpose is to lead others to the one Teacher, the one Doctor, the one Father.

Let us pray that religious leaders, parents, teachers or politicians will take as their model humble, Christ-like leadership and be more concerned about service to others rather than self-promotion. That their leadership would be full of integrity and honesty with no double standards.