Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Sirach tells us when we come to serve the Lord, prepare ourselves for trials and testing. And gold is tested in the fire and those found acceptable in the furnace of humiliation. The words of Sirach fit well with Jesus’ journey with his disciples as we hear it in the Gospel. Jesus was setting the stage for what would come, predicting his passion and death, and resurrection.
In characteristic fashion, the Lord’s disciples didn’t seem to get it. They had been arguing about who was the greatest. We can imagine Jesus being discouraged by this. Yet he continues to teach them that they must be last and the servants of all.
The disciples of Jesus continued to struggle on their journey. They had to struggle to understand who Jesus was, what he was about, what he was asking of them, and what he was calling them to do.
“The Son of Man has not come to be served but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many.” True leaders according to Jesus’ way must be willing to serve and not to be served; to lead, they must be willing to give up all they have.
So, the words of Sirach can speak loudly to all of us, no matter where we are on that journey.
“My son, when you come to serve the Lord, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not.”
Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, who calls and guides us all our days.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections