A WORD FOR TODAY 17 OCTOBER 2021

https://youtu.be/zfH6Q8QXnRQ

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE IN SERVICE FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS*

_"But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”(Mark 10:43-45)_

_*Leadership is an art that requires certain qualities from the one who has been chosen, appointed or elected to lead. When one becomes a leader, there is always an expectation from the people you have been chosen to lead and the way and manner in which you carry your task will determine how you will be rated in the end.*_

_There are different types of leaders, which includes; authocratic, manipulative, selfish, despotic, selfless and servant leaders e.t.c Whatever type you become will depend on what drives you as a person and what you intend to achieve with the position you occupy._

_*In the first and second readings of today we are reminded of who Jesus is and what He did for us. He was God, but He came to us in the form of man. He emptied Himself and bore our iniquities. He is the high priest who experienced everything we experience as humans, but did not sin and He is able to sympathize with us in our weakness.*_

_In Jesus Christ we see the servant-leader model in action. He is God, but He came not to be served, but to serve us and to lay down His life as a ransom for many. He did not impose Himself on us, but showed us through His example what it means to be a leader. Therefore, if we choose to follow Him, we must be ready to take up our cross in love and die for others as He died for us._

_*In the gospel reading of today, Jesus stressed the need for us to imbibe the servant-leader style in our approach to life. This will help us to be humble in dealing with others.*_

_James and John were ambitious and they wanted to occupy a special place by Jesus' side. They misconceived Jesus as a political messiah with earthly power and glory, and they failed to see Him for who He is, however, they still believed in Him._

_*The standard of greatness in the sight of God is totally different from that of men. To be in a leadership position is not sinful, but it will become pleasing in the sight of God when you humble and place yourself at the service of others. You will definitely experience the cross, yes, but it will not stop you from giving yourself up for the good of others. True greatness comes from your ability to place yourself at the service of humanity, and the reward will definitely be uncountable.*_

_Every position of honour and authority must be used to serve the people. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. If we follow Him, we must serve others as He has done for us. Spend your time, energy and resources doing those things that adds value to people's lives and benefits them positively and you will be counted as great in the sight of God someday._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a beautiful Sunday. May Jesus help you to be a good leader by serving others well. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Isaiah 53:10-11/Psalm 33:4-5,18-19,20,22/Hebrews 4:14-16/Mark 10:35-45

*Watch-Word:* May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.

_*Be ready to serve with humility and heaven will welcome you when your work is done here on earth.*_

(Twenty Ninth Sunday in the ordinary time, Cycle B)