That sounds very privileged, right? Wouldn't it be nice to have people follow you? Isn't it convenient to be in their position? And yet Jesus reminds us that it is not power nor position that brings honor to men in the eyes of Christ -- "he greatest among you must be your servant".
Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Bernard. If you'll read his story, you'll know why the Church gave him the honor of being called "Doctor of the Church". That reason behind that honor is something he could've celebrated and shown off in all the conferences and debates he attended. And yet, he remained quiet, not wanting to show off and even interested in the applause of the people.
Bernard was a defender of the faith. He made it his business to ensure people understood it completely, but he never lost site of what the law is all about, or what it meant for him to be God's messenger. A lot of people call him the man who fell in love with God, and it was this love that drove him to follow God and proclaim His word. Nothing more, nothing less.
Jesus and Bernard also remind us that it should always be love that drives our life, and it is this, not our position or following the law to the letter, that will define who we are. But let's also not forget Jesus' command for us to follow God's Word, regardless if the people who deliver them are way out of their proper orbit.
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