Called, Not Exalted
Gospel Reading for the Memorial of St. Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church - Matthew 23:8-12
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus speaking to the crowds and to His disciples with a cautionary word. He has just finished telling the crowd about the hypocrisy of the scribes and pharisees. Of how they loved the status their titles gave them, and how they did “their deeds to be seen by men.”
Immediately following His rebuke, Jesus tells the crowd “Do not be called ‘Rabbi’” and “Call no one on earth your father” and “Do not be called ‘Master’” How are we to make sense of this in today’s modern world? Is Jesus saying that all formal or respectful titles should not be used?
No. Instead, Jesus is warning the crowds, and us, to not claim authority apart from or in competition with God. He is affirming that every title we may hold - parent, priest, boss - must be rooted in God’s universal Fatherhood and Christ’s role as the one true Teacher. Without that grounding, even good roles can become distorted by pride.
Today is also the feast of St. Bonaventure, Doctor of the Church. St. Bonaventure lived this truth with striking grace. A brilliant theologian, and Doctor of the Church, he never let learning eclipse love. As Minister General of the Franciscans, he led not by domination but by humility, tending to his brothers with wisdom and charity. Even when elevated to cardinal, legend tells us he humbly asked the papal envoys to wait while he finished doing the dishes!
His life teaches us that holiness and intellect, authority and service, can coexist when rooted in Christ.
In this modern world, we too are entrusted with roles, titles and influence within our families, parishes, and communities. But today’s Gospel reminds us that these are not badges of honor to display but sacred responsibilities to carry with reverence and humility. Jesus calls us not to be seen but to serve. Not to rise above but to come alongside. Not to grasp at greatness, but to become small for love’s sake.
Afterall, ‘the greatest among you must be your servant.”
Who will you serve today?
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples:
"Do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."