Follow Jesus: Be a servant leader

Intermountain Catholic

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Samantha Almanza

This new monthly column is written for Catholics who are in middle school and high school. All are invited to read and reflect, but please share and discuss your reflection with young Catholics you know.

Have you ever wanted to be the best player on your team? The most popular person in school? The smartest student in your class? If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, you are not alone – even the 12 disciples argued about who among them should be labeled the greatest.

In Palm Sunday’s Gospel reading (LK 22:14-23:56), Jesus breaks up their squabble not by choosing one disciple, but by telling them: "let the greatest among you be as the youngest and the leader be the servant."

This seems backwards to us because we are used to our leaders having titles like "class president" or "team captain," but what Jesus teaches is that we all have the ability to become leaders and the greatest versions of ourselves by serving those around us.

Take just a second and think about one person you admire. This person could be your grandma, best friend or teacher. Do you look up to that person because of the way she dresses or the possessions she has, or do you admire her because she truly cares about you? Is he stingy with his resources, or does he support you and make you feel better when you are around him? Does she point out to everyone what a good person she is, or does she do good deeds without wanting recognition? The person that you’re thinking about is an excellent example of a servant leader! He or she is showing you how to live according to Jesus’ teachings by serving you.

This week try to make it a point to be a little more like the person you admire, and be servant leader to your family and friends. You can be of service to others in many ways. You can help your friend with her homework, do an extra chore around the house, or even spend 30 minutes talking with your family without any electronics. The happiness you will bring into their lives will be obvious, but I hope that you will also notice the joy you bring into your own life by serving them. This is the kind of joy that you can’t get through having the latest video game or the coolest car, it is the type of joy you only experience when you are helping others.

Here is a short prayer to accompany on your journey as a servant leader: Dear Jesus, you taught us that the greatest people are those who serve others without wanting recognition, power, or money. Help me to put the needs of my family, classmates, and community first. Please open my heart to see the opportunities I have to serve those around me, and watch over me and those I serve as I try to live by your example. Amen.