The ultimate servant leader

For many Filipinos, the importance of Maundy Thursday is eclipsed by the solemnity of Good Friday, when Christ dies on the cross, and Easter Sunday, when he rises from death.

And yet, Maundy Thursday in the Christian tradition is one of the most profound observances next only to the Easter vigil. On this holy day, the Lord shares his last supper with his apostles in a Holy Communion.

And on this day too, Christ, as the self-appointed Passover victim, demonstrates the ultimate attribute of servant leadership by washing the feet of his 12 apostles even as he eventually declares that one of his disciples will betray him.

In today’s world, Christ’s unique brand of leadership that has preserved the Christian faith through centuries and has spread to many nations continues to inspire humanity in many ways, in many forms, in governance, community service, even in business.

In Jesus’ celebration of the Passover or last meal, he became a servant to his apostles by washing their feet before the start of their meals, a supreme example of humility that had undoubtedly surprised and even embarrassed his disciples on that evening.

Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:31-35)

Servant leadership

This leadership that Christ shared on that Maundy Thursday with his apostles – and through time, with the whole world – demonstrates the ultimate power of a leader who submits himself to a loftier purpose. It is the kind of leadership that comes from genuine love and concern for others.

Each of us who believe in Christ is asked to share that love and be an example of that kind of leadership, one that submits one’s personal interest to others, one that demonstrates humility and the will to serve others, and one that sets an example for others to follow.

One need not be the president of a great country or the biggest company in the world. Each and every one of us is asked to show this kind of servant leadership that will inspire others to subvert their own interests for the common good.

The sacrifice of true leadership need not be as profound as Christ’s submission to death to save mankind, but it can be equally agonizing in the context of today’s daily modern life.

When we are asked to make choices, it is never easy to look at problems and issues and to decide correctly by excluding our own selfish interests and accepting what is clearly the morally right decision.

This is what Jesus is asking us to do. Let us celebrate the Lenten season understanding and accepting this. May we be inspired and motivated to put our love for each other and the Lord above all else in everything we do.

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