Thursday, June 11, 1998
Thursday, June 11, 1998
They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats
in the synagogues, and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have people
call them rabbi. (Matthew 23:6
NRSV)
I remember a story of a family who went to their grandparent's house for dinner.
After watching the man bow his head and speak in a soft voice, the girl asked her
parents, "What did Mr. Bryan say to his plate?" Jesus asked a similar question
concerning the leaders of his day. They spoke not prayers to God, but empty words
trying to impress others and trying to appear successful.
Jesus said in our scripture reading today, "They love to have the place of honor at
banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and be greeted with respect in the
marketplaces, and have people call them rabbi." The religious leaders seemed to be
more concerned about appearing to be successful than serving God's people.
I read once about James Moore, a minister, who was invited to participate in a
"Career Day on Campus." He was to be part of a panel discussion. Panelists were to
discuss, "How Faith Influences Your Choice of a Career." First, panelists were
asked to introduce themselves and mention their particular vocations. It was all
rather routine. One woman gave her name and said, "I'm an attorney." A man gave
his name and said, "I'm in business and I own a computer company." A woman
gave her name and said, "I'm in real estate." When it was Moore's turn he said, "I'm
a minister." The person seated next to him was a doctor. The doctor's statement
changed that mundane situation into a special and sacred moment.
He said, "We are here today to talk about vocation." He told them that the word
vocation meant "calling." "Well," the doctor told them, "my calling is to be a
Christian and one way to do that is through the practice of medicine."
James Moore reflected afterwards, the doctor's life was a success, but his priority
was service. Jesus said, "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who
humble themselves will be exalted."
Prayer: Dear God, humble me, so that you will be honored. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA