Matthew 23:9-12 NRSVue

⁹And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. ¹⁰Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹²All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, in a competitive world of hierarchies and qualifications, how do I hold on to your vision of equality and mutual service? How do you challenge me? Am I seduced by titles and deflected from the inner core? I take no comfort in labels. Just keep my inner reality in line with you.

Reflection
The Christian identity is servant, disciple, humble follower. Greatness is seen in love, in being willing to serve the needs of others, as Jesus did. These words can be remembered at the last supper when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Many cultures and groups of people honour success, wealth, and the pretence of self-importance. Remember in prayer a moment when you felt humbled as you served somebody, or did something really relevant for them. Offer this memory to God in thanks.

Reflection
It is easy to be distracted by fame, celebrity or royalty. I think of how my real dignity - my true identity - lies in my being a child of God. I considering how I might live in a way that brings others to the fullness of their dignity.

Reflection
Jesus took on the role of servant and continues to serve me. I ask for the grace I need to serve humbly.