Commentary for today

Dear friends,

How easy it is to place ourselves “above” others. When we know a little more than someone else, or have a bit more experience in some area of life… we often feel superior and treat others as if they were beneath us.

That’s exactly what many scribes and Pharisees did in Jesus’ time. They believed they were first-class citizens, while everyone else was second-rate. On top of that, they would “say but not do.” That’s why Jesus speaks so strongly against them.

Putting ourselves above others is a very human temptation — just like saying one thing and doing another. But the Spirit of the Lord helps us become aware of these dangers and avoid them.

As Pope Francis once said:
“The only time it’s right to look down on someone is to help them get up.”

We are called to authenticity — which means more than just being consistent. It means doing our best to align our actions with our words, but also having the humility to recognize our weaknesses. No one is perfect. And the Spirit comes to help us in our weakness.

The opposite of putting ourselves above others is placing ourselves below them — in submission or unhealthy dependence. But that’s not Christian either.

In Christ, we are all brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. We are called to build true fraternity and to care for our common home — for ourselves and future generations.

Not above, not below — but face to face. Just as the Lord looks at us.

And if in doubt? Serve others — from a place of free and mutual responsibility.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Lord Jesus,
help me to see others the way you see them.
May I serve and give my life freely,
with you and like you.

Your brother in faith,