21st Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Please note: No Recorded Music due to a break-in at the Church
Sunday, August 23
Isaiah 22: 19-23
He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 22:21)
Master of the palace: it was a sought-after title, and Shebna knew it. That title gave him far-reaching authority over the kings household and possessions. But he abused that power by taking advantage of perks like the royal chariots and even making a beautiful carved tomb for himself (Isaiah 22:16, 18). That’s why God unseated Shebna and established Eliakim in his place. He wanted someone who would exercise that authority with fatherly concern and compassion, not self- promotion, domination, or greed. In other words, the master of the palace should imitate the way God uses his authority: to serve His people.
These words point to something important about God’s desires for His kingdom. He wants a kingdom where leaders don’t lord their authority over the people in their care. He wants them to show compassion and concern for their people (Matthew 20:25-26).
Jesus gave that type of authority to Peter. Yes, Peter received the “keys to the kingdom” and the power to bind and to loose (Matthew 16:19). But first and foremost, he was to be the rock, the solid foundation upon which the Church would be built. He would not be raised up above all his brothers and sisters; he would be beneath them to support them.
That’s the type of leadership God wants parents or anyone in authority to exercise. Godly leaders don’t put themselves first. They are not greedy for honor or power. His kingdom is a place where, instead of setting themselves up against one another, His people serve one another with love, respect, and honor.
Shebna`s story is a lesson to us, especially those times when we are tempted to take advantage of our position. Peter is a role model too when we are tempted to think leadership equates to tyranny. Let’s take their examples and learn how to be good leaders in our families, our workplaces, and our Church.
“Lord, help me to place serving above being served today.”
Psalm 138: 1-3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16: 13-20
