In the first reading today St. Paul tries to convince the Jewish people in the towns that he visited, first of all, that Jesus of Nazareth – the one who their people handed over to be put to death by crucifixion – was indeed the long awaited Messiah.
He traces God's plan of salvation as it came from Abraham, through Moses, then to Samuel, and then Saul, and then David: from whose line would come a king who would rule over all kings – and who would be finally hearalded by a humble but powerful prophet, the last of the line of prophets: John, the Baptizer. There is no doubt this Jesus fit the line of descendancy, and he fulfills all the prophecies ever made about him. Therefore Paul is pleading with his listeners' logic as well as inviting them to the beginnings of real faith.
In the gospel passage, Jesus, himself, the true Messiah, and Teacher, and Lord relates to his apostles after washing their feet at the Last Supper the exact nature who and what he is. He is sent from God – as Servant – as Savior. And any who would be chosen to carry on his work must have the same attitude: the attitude of humble service – as the Savior himself carries on his work through them. Just as John knew that he was not the Christ; so too bishops and priests today – even the Holy Father – must realize that they are not the Christ: only his humble and lowly servants. We are blessed to have a Pope who seems to be aware of this, as are most bishops in our country.
Let us remember today what Jesus says: that when we receive and welcome him and his word, we receive and welcome his Father. He is very insistent that we get this connection. And so when we receive and welcome the Holy Father, bishops and priests – we receive and welcome both Jesus and his Father! And they are very pleased with us! And they can do great things in and through all of us!
Forever we will sing the goodness of the Lord.
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