Matthew 23:12 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
It’s interesting how much trouble we have following what Jesus says here. The Catholic practice of addressing priests as Father is in direct violation! Politicians in particular seem to be in Jesus’ target grouping, but they aren’t alone in that. We all tend to like the approval of others, which in itself isn’t a bad thing, but when we place people’s opinions and words above those of God, we get into real trouble. The thing is, none of us is as good as we could be, much less as good as God is. The better we recognize that and focus on getting God’s help to be more of what He wants us to be, the better off everyone is. We have various terms for someone who is “stuck on themselves,” but we tend to overlook our own tendency to be that way. That’s not to say that we are to think or feel that we have no value. I once saw a picture of a shirt that was grammatically incorrect, but right-on in meaning: “I know I’m something, cause God don’t make no junk.” The thing is, He also made every other person on the planet, and we are of equal value in His eyes. Our job is first to improve ourselves, and in the process, lift up those around us.
Every verse of the first 12 in this chapter is painfully on-point for someone in my position. Japanese society is very hierarchical, with different forms of address used depending on whether the target is below, equal to, or above the speaker, to a degree that can get quite confusing for anyone who wasn’t raised in it. I was raised in Japan, but didn’t attend Japanese schools past kindergarten, plus, my father was very high-status, so my social errors were overlooked or excused. However, I’ve been both a pastor and a school teacher for most of my life, and both of those are addressed as sensei, teacher, in direct violation of what Jesus says here. I haven’t tried to buck that in my secular teaching, because it would have been needlessly disruptive and even offensive, but in this church I have tried to get people to just call me Jack. Even so, it often comes out as Jack Sensei, or Pastor Jack. Again, making a big deal of it doesn’t seem to benefit anyone. That said, I do my best to help each person understand that they are valuable and necessary in God’s plan, so that together we may grow to be what God wants us to be.
Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You did in the service yesterday, as well as in the meal and teaching time afterward. Thank You for the healing and growth I see in various individuals. May we all continue to grow as You desire and intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!
Virtual Vitamins 
Sorry about that, “Father” thing, Jack.
I know what you mean. When I was first ordained, I really found it uncomfortable to be addressed that way. Precisely for the reason you mentioned: Jesus tells us not to use that word. Also, because I was not a father and probably would never become one. My preference was for people to just call me Liam. And then, after one year of ordination, I arrived in Japan. I was kind of relieved to find out that priests here are not called お父さん (otōsan = “father”). Only to be more distressed to discover that the title used in Japan for priests is 神父（shimpu), meaning “DIVINE father!!” How could it get any worse?
Striving for humility is a challenge. That phrase, “stuck on themselves,” reminded me that I often acknowledge to people that I have, for most of my life, suffered from what I call “chronic low-grade narcissism.” And the fact that for an hour every Sunday morning, I dress up (yes, sometimes in purple) and people kinda hafta pay attention to what I preach, the prayers I offer, to the announcements I make, and to the parts of the Mass that I get to sing (solo!), all feeds into that syndrome.
Ed Hattrick was one of our friars who worked in Japan for over 40 years before volunteering to serve in our missions in South Africa. Ed went to the Kingdom about 20 years ago. Ed was very serious about striving for humility in his walk with the Lord. At the same time, he had an ironic sense of humor.
One time when discussing the virtue of humility, he said to me, “You know, I wish they offered a Nobel Prize for humility, because I think I might have had a shot at it.”
Thanks for your phone call yesterday to wish me a happy birthday. It was great to hear your voice and to chat with you for a while. Looking forward to visiting you and Cathy in Omura, before too long. Probably after you get back.
Peace,
Liam