Collect for Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Almighty and most merciful God, drive from us all weakness of body, mind and spirit; that, being restored to wholeness, we may with free hearts become what you intend us to be and accomplish what you want us to do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:17-34)
As a young adult coming of age in an era characterized by increasingly polarized and violent political rhetoric, I am comforted by the quietly powerful words of St. John Chrysostom: "This is the rule of the most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking of the common good . . . for nothing can so make a person an imitator of Christ as caring for his neighbors." Regardless of denominational affiliation, socio-economic class, or political party, we are all charged with the task ensuring that our actions and intentions better the lives of others.
Chrysostom’s summary of Christian duty parallels Christ’s call to his followers in today’s reading. Jesus challenges his followers’ idea of leadership, saying that to be like him they must abandon their quest for personal power and instead focus on how they could use their lives to serve others. This call is central to our identity as Christians, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I find this task incredibly daunting. Over the course of history, people have justified horrible atrocities for the “betterment of humanity.” With so many loud, clamoring voices claiming that they alone have the truth that will fix our troubled communities, it is incredibly challenging to discern how best to serve others as Christ commands us to.
The idea of servant leadership has been on my mind as the ideological battle between the public-sector unions and Governor Scott Walker rages a few blocks from my front door. Both sides of the debate are certain that they are ultimately doing what is best for Wisconsin and its citizens. It is times like these that I feel like one of the blind men sitting on the side of the road waiting for Christ to help me see things clearly.
However, to “let our eyes be opened,” we must be willing to follow Christ. Jesus teaches us that leaders do not use power to set themselves above those who follow them, but rather they must be servants of the public. One cannot serve the people while refusing to listen to their needs. And so I will do my best to lead through service, advocating for the working families of Wisconsin and following Christ through the dark.
Kate Siberine
Student at UW-Madison
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