30th Week in Ordinary Time

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.

“Subordinate”? That’s such a strong word, and with so many negative connotations. In fact, the Greek word that Paul used (hupotassó) means being subject to someone, as a servant is to his master or as a soldier is to his commanding officer. Where did Paul get the idea that this is how we should relate to one another?

From Jesus. Because that’s how he lived his whole life.

Take a moment right now to close your eyes and picture how Jesus subjected himself to the people around him. Think of him late in the evening and after a long day of ministering, taking the time to explain a puzzling parable to his disciples. Or imagine him patiently navigating yet another run-in with his critics. Or, most dramatically of all, picture him spreading out his arms against the wood of the cross and then forgiving the people who drove the nails into his hands and feet.

In each of these scenes, we see Jesus humbling himself so that he could lift up the people around him. We see him, the Lord over all creation, offering himself to the very people he created. The One whose hands formed the stars placed himself into the hands of sinners. And he did it with nothing but love in his heart!

This is how Jesus wants all of us to live—as servants, as men and women committed to laying down our lives for one another. In a world that treasures independence and self-rule, he asks us all to tend to each other before we take care of our own comfort and desires. And he does this not to wear us down or to humiliate us, but so that he can reveal his love and presence through our acts of humble service. He does it so that his light can shine through us more brightly and his grace can flow through us more fully.

How will you “subordinate” yourself today? That’s something only you can answer as you try to listen to the Spirit. Just know that every time you serve someone, you can reveal the face of Christ to that person—and to everyone around you!

“Jesus, I dedicate myself to serving your people today. Help me to love as you love.”

Ephesians 5:21-33
Psalm 128:1-5
Luke 13:18-21