The Lord Has Anointed Me

Some time ago I had read a book by James Hunter, entitled Servant, in which he details his own experience of a life transformation.  As the president of a small company, husband, father, and active in his community, he had realized that his life had stalled.  His relationships were not getting better, but were falling apart all around him.  He attended a retreat held at a monastery, though not catholic in nature, for peoples in business and leadership positions.  The theme of the retreat was about Servant Leadership. 

This new concept, authority based in loving others (not the 'kissy-face' kind of love) caring for others, actively listening, nurturing others, and seeing others as a gift and gifted, radically changed his mind-set and relationships.  Eventually this new model of relating, brought new life and energy into many of the relationships that were dying.  To be sure this was not an overnight miracle, but it offered a radical paradigm through which  to operate.

In today's Gospel Lk 4:16-30, Jesus begins his ministry by offering a 'Mission Statement' which will be reflected in his life and teachings.  Jesus will become for us the suffering servant.  Now we have to offer that being a Servant does not equate to being a door-mat.  Jesus' ministry of healing, forgiving, gathering peoples into a community, challenging people to oppose oppression and injustice, sought to bring about conversation and a transformation of heart. 

Likewise in the Church, it is not McDonalds, but a faith-filled community, which seeks to imitate the Body of Christ in the world today.  So when we are anointed at Baptism and Confirmation it is so to follow in the footsteps of other faith-filled believers in being servants in the world today,  Our service hopefully enlightens and guides a culture to seek holiness, and to find healing and peace.  The Gospels, and sacred scripture, the sacraments, the teachings of the Church, become our inspiration, as well as the tools we use, to demonstrate the Kingdom, and share Jesus' life as Servant.