Prayer

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated.We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.  

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one. 

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.  

They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others, making their phylacteries* broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them rabbi. 

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher and are all brothers and sisters. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

The Gospel of the Lord

Thanks Be to God 

Spiritual Reflection

Matthew 23:1-12 contains a powerful message about humility and genuine leadership. In these verses, Jesus chastises the religious leaders of his time for their hypocrisy, highlighting their desire for public recognition and titles of honour. He emphasises the importance of practising what one preaches, living a life of humility, and serving others selflessly. 

The message reminds us that true leadership is not about seeking praise or authority but rather about being a humble servant, putting the needs of others before our own. It challenges us to examine our own motives and behaviours in our roles of influence, urging us to emulate the humility and sincerity that Jesus exemplified throughout his ministry.

• Are there areas in your life where you may be tempted to seek recognition or status instead of focusing on humility and service?
• How can you embody humility and service in your leadership roles, whether at work, in your community, or in your family?
• How are you being called to be a servant leader?

Concluding Prayer

Dear Lord, 

As we reflect on the words of Matthew, we seek your guidance to embrace humility and servant leadership. Help us to put aside our hypocrisy and desire for recognition, focusing on serving others with love and compassion. May we find strength in your teachings to be true disciples. 

Amen