You are not to be Called

Today’s Gospel Text:  Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. 4 They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. 11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:1-12

Reflection: “O, please stop calling people father and Rabbi and by other endearing titles, I am sure Jesus never wanted it that way.”  This could be the rant of the many who read this text of the gospel in a literal way. 

Jesus also seems very clear about it by qualifying his injunction with a statement which suggests the primacy of God as Father, master and teacher.

Could Jesus have really meant what is apparently understood of the passage at a preliminary glance?

A close look at the passage, especially at the emphasis it lays, conveys a message otherwise.

If we were to apply this message to Jesus, then it would fail him too and we would then be compelled to not address him as Lord and master, as the apostles continued to do so.

If the concept of brotherhood and learning things only from God was primary, then there would have been no hierarchy in the early church, with the apostles as head of the lot and Simon Peter leading them all.

Then one need not look upon one's parents as elders but as mere brothers and sisters.

In fact St. Paul himself lays claim to the title of fatherhood and in the process reveals something very interesting to us:    

“For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” 1 Cor 4:15

Thus we also learn that the early Christians did just have the Holy Spirit as guide but also had mature humans to guide them in their walk as Christians and it is well acknowledged by St. Paul without passing a judgment about them.

But in all this there is definitely an important message for each one of us who have these titles or seek it; for it is a grave message which cannot be taken lightly:

Those who exercise authority should exercise it in a way wherein they recognize the ultimate authority of God as our true teacher and they are not to teach people according to their whims and fancies or according to what they feel as right and correct but rather as stewards of the holy mysteries.

Prayer:  Lord, may all those who hold offices in the church may realize their stewardship and thus serve your people with responsibility and with a sense of dedication.

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