Legends Never Die

Author: Alexis Fuentes
October 19, 2018
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Football season is well underway.  Baseball is days away from its grand finale. As I write this reflection, I’m watching the New York Knicks win their season opener, and I remember why Scripture is so relevant.  What better time to be talking about this week’s Gospel on Servant Leadership than right now?!

We may not realize it, but we talk about Servant Leadership all the time. Turn on ESPN at almost any time of day, and you’ll hear all about it. What do the most celebrated guys on any team all have in common?  Servant Leadership. The best of the best athletes aren’t praised for their skills alone, but for their heart. They’re praised for showing up to practice earlier than the rest of the team; for working harder and giving more on and off the field; for using their fame to bring honor and resources to their communities. When all a player has are some fast feet and strong hands, they are almost always forgotten. But those who live out their greatness by serving their team, those are the ones whose legends never die.

In this week’s Gospel, we read of two of Jesus’ disciples who are bent on securing their legacy.  James and John approach Jesus asking to be seated on his right and left in heavenly glory. Jesus replies, are you sure you know what you’re asking?! Jesus reminds them that in order for them to secure that honor, they have to be willing to walk the very road that Jesus is destined to pursue –the road of the Cross. James and John affirm their desire for glory and their commitment to this road. The rest of the team is furious. What kind of teammates are you guys? Are you trying to say you’re better than the rest of us?

Jesus calls a time out and brings the team into a huddle.

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.”

In other words, let’s all check our egos at the door. You see, being on the side of Christ is not like anything you’ve experienced before. Being a leader on his team will require everything of you, as it required everything of Christ. If you want to ensure your legend never dies, you need to walk with him who promises you eternity. And to walk with Jesus is to walk directly toward the cross.

Many of you are leaders in your own right, perhaps on a team or club at school. Maybe you have aspirations of leadership in your career, in corporate organizations or in the political sphere. Or maybe your leadership simply comes in the form of being an older brother or sister. Whatever it may be, know that as a disciple of Jesus Christ, there is only one way to lead, and that way is to follow. Follow Jesus to the Cross and He will make sure your legend never dies.


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