We live in a society that idolizes wealth, power, and fame. The cult of the celebrity has developed to the point that people have become famous for being famous. Some have amassed huge fortunes based on little more than their own notoriety.
It is part of our human nature to want to be associated with something greater than ourselves; that is our quest for God. That is why we are here, to know God, to love God, and to serve God. But when we lose sight of that path we turn our adoration to things close at hand, to people who have used their gifts to become rich, powerful, and famous.
But that is not the way we were taught.
It would have been easy for Jesus to be the type of Messiah that many hoped He would be, a military leader who would raise an army and overthrow Roman oppression. When Our Lord cast out unclean spirits in the synagogue, it was a very public display of His authority, and people flocked to Him.
But seeking celebrity is not the lesson He taught us. Instead Jesus showed us a different path that all may follow, regardless of their station in life, regardless of their resources. It is not the path of self-serving, it is the path of self-giving. Our gifts and talents have not been given to us to serve ourselves, to amass fame and fortune and power. Our gifts have been given to us to serve each other.
Pax Vobiscum
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
image from the Tres Riches Heurs (15th Century)