For being the Son of God, Jesus did not suffer from an over-bloated ego. In fact in today's Gospel, He is entirely unbothered when He hears that people who do not follow Him directly are still teaching and healing in His name. Certainly, this sets up comparisons between Him and Moses, who is shown in the first reading to also be glad that others are spreading God's message. However, Jesus does provide a rather dire warning to those that are present: No one is allowed to use His message to lead others to sin. He even specifically tells them not to place the blame on their bodies' desires, going so far as to tell them to remove the offending body parts if they cannot control themselves.
I feel that Jesus' message was clear: we are called to minister and act as witnesses to the world of the glory of God, but we are to do so for the betterment of all people and the glory of God, not for our own selfish desires. More importantly, perverting His message for our personal gratification--whether for sex, power, wealth, or any other sinful motive--is the worst offense that one can commit against God. This is especially true if that perversion leads others away from God and His Word.
I think that this happens all too often in our world in small ways as well as large. Certainly, there are many stories of religious leaders abusing their powers and their followers in ways that make people turn away from Christ. The most notable cases are those of sexual abuse and assault, but this can include those who claim to be Christians but then publicly act in ways that are quite unChristlike. This can include those Christians who condemn and judge without showing the mercy and love of Christ. I worry that this could be me when I frivolously post or say a flippant comment.
May God help guide me to be better, and thus better guide others.
I feel that Jesus' message was clear: we are called to minister and act as witnesses to the world of the glory of God, but we are to do so for the betterment of all people and the glory of God, not for our own selfish desires. More importantly, perverting His message for our personal gratification--whether for sex, power, wealth, or any other sinful motive--is the worst offense that one can commit against God. This is especially true if that perversion leads others away from God and His Word.
I think that this happens all too often in our world in small ways as well as large. Certainly, there are many stories of religious leaders abusing their powers and their followers in ways that make people turn away from Christ. The most notable cases are those of sexual abuse and assault, but this can include those who claim to be Christians but then publicly act in ways that are quite unChristlike. This can include those Christians who condemn and judge without showing the mercy and love of Christ. I worry that this could be me when I frivolously post or say a flippant comment.
May God help guide me to be better, and thus better guide others.
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