Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others......they love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi......The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Jesus uses the idea of an overburdened donkey to look at how the Scribes and Pharisees insist on the people obeying the Mosaic Law. Jesus has pointed out this inconsistency before - if an animal falls into a well on the sabbath it can be rescued, but to heal someone on the sabbath is to break the Law! He also rebukes them for 'lording' it around, expecting to be treated as superior to others.

Jesus says those who follow him must be the servant of others. From earliest times the Church has ordained Deacons (in Greek this is diakonos, meaning 'to serve') to work in the church. Today men and women are usually ordained deacon before being priested a year later. They have the title 'Revd', wear a 'dog collar', and in the Eucharist have a stole across their body.

There are also permanent deacons, particularly in the Catholic Church. Interestingly a priest remains a deacon as well as a priest for life. They can never lay these aside, even in retirement or illness. They remain someone who must serve in whatever way they can. We should note though, that all Christians are called to serve, not just Deacons!

Almighty God,
You call us all to a life of service:
to help others;
to care for the needy;
to nurture others in the faith;
and to rescue the fallen.
Help us to see life
as an opportunity to serve others.
Amen.