The Thirty-first Sunday Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

The tie in between today’s readings: The Boss’s Job

Psalm 131:1-3, Malachi 1:14-2:2; 2:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-13, Matthew 23:1-12

Everybody has a boss and most of us would like to be one. So, you take those extra courses, work diligently, and make the right connections, until finally, you get that promotion. As you enjoy your corner office view with your morning coffee, you have a surprising moment of clarity and ask, “What is my reason for being in this position?” Putting aside the perks and the bounce in pay, you’re there because the bosses see you as an asset to help further their goals. You’re confident that you can do that. But there is a deeper aspect to consider when answering this question because your reason determines your approach and manifests the real you; the you that interests the Almighty. How are you going to treat the people below you? How will you respond to authority? How will you act when pressured with a moral dilemma? So obviously, to do well on the approach side of the ledger, it is crucial that you get your reasons right.

In today’s gospel, Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees. He reinforces their position in the seat of Moses to teach and direct the people, but He urges the crowd not to follow their example. They parade their piety to gain admiration. They crave the praise of men. They love the power. They ignore their own rules. Jesus points out that they made their positions in Jewish society about themselves and therefore were motivated for the wrong reasons. He concludes that, in God’s eyes, the greater person always serves. The correct answer to “Why am I in this position?” is “So I could be a benefit to others.” Take the humble approach. You will be exalted. The proud path only ends poorly.

Our reading in Malachi describes the consequences of acting for the wrong reason: “Those that exalt themselves will be disgraced.” The pride of the priests, at that time, led to contempt toward God. The Lord does not take this lightly. He replaces their blessings with curses for their sins. Being leaders, their disdain for God, like a contagion, infects the population and they soon play fast and loose with the Lord’s laws and commandments. Sacrifices are sub-par. Iniquities multiply. Justice is perverted. Their behavior mocks the very covenant that the Lord made with their forefathers and undermines their sole purpose for being a nation.

In response, the heavens are silent for four hundred years. Then, one day, the message of John the Baptist rings through the Jordan Valley, “Repent for the kingdom of God (a new nation) is at hand.” Jesus Christ demonstrates the right reason for being here. He leaves His place in heaven and humbles Himself. The Son of Man came to serve and not be served. With His death, the ultimate sacrifice of love and service, He establishes His church, the beginning of His kingdom here on earth. Having a servant led organization runs so very counter intuitive to us. What does it look like?

We can see St. Paul and company following our Lord’s example in today’s epistle in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-13. In this passage, the Apostle reminds the new believers that they worked night and day to pay their own way and not burden them. Their conduct among the faithful was blameless and loving. They rejoiced with thanksgiving for their conversion to Christ. Thessalonica proved that Paul had the right reason for their approach to the city: to show and share the gospel message of God’s love. The result was an established and empowered church. Mission accomplished!

It really doesn’t matter where you are on the ladder of life. It’s what you’re doing on your rung that’s important. We can get some advice from our reading in Psalm 131:1-3. Don’t be proud. Treat people with respect. Take the needs of others into account. Be a mentor, not a tormentor. Spur yourself on to be the best you can, but don’t let your ambition destroy your peace. You have a specific sphere of contacts; inoculate them with an example of Christlikeness. Never forget that you are a witness for Jesus in this world first and your job is there to just pay the expenses. Finally, to be successful in the eyes of God you must: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your…approach” (Proverbs 3:5-6 sort of).