Power and status seem to go hand in hand. Striking robes and expensive clothing, big cars and private jets. And there are lots of subtle rituals that are designed to emphasise the importance of those of high rank. The church is not immune to this, with elaborate ceremonies and practices which enhance the status of its leaders, robes, seats of honour, and titles.
But Jesus is a radical. He turns these structures and systems of power upside down. By replacing a horse with a donkey, he makes a point. Even so, the people around him go out of their way to make a fuss with a carpet of cloaks and palm branches cut to wave as flags and triumphant banners. Yet, within a week, they will desert him as quickly as their shouts fade away. The events of Palm Sunday are an exercise in the flaky ephemera of status.
Power exists for a reason: it holds within itself the ability to make things happen. After all, everyone has some power to an extent. How it is used, though, speaks volumes about the aspirations and true ambitions of those who hold it. To have ambition to make a difference can be a noble desire, and many politicians will speak of that being their motivation. The true leaders, though, are the ones who are the willing servants of those they seek to lead. The first word in the rule of St Benedict is ‘listen’. We listen to God, to one another, to aim to discern the path that will lead to flourishing and true peace.
One of the treasures of St Asaph Cathedral is the William Morgan translation of the Bible into Welsh, printed in 1588. This enabled people at the time to read and hear the words of life and peace in their own tongue. It was an act of service that opened the scriptures, rather than just expecting people to do as they were told. Faith and understanding went hand in hand.
As we journey with Jesus through what we call Holy Week, we recall that during the meal on Maundy Thursday, Jesus gave a dramatic example of servant leadership. He took a bowl and a towel and proceeded to wash the feet of his disciples. No leader would stoop to do this, but he did to show that this leader cares for them, will humble himself for them and, if they are to be leaders like him, they must do the same. Many churches re-enact this, with feet washing as they recall the Last Supper.
This Holy Week, how tempting is it in our own lives to want to be in a position of power and high status rather than humility?