Who is your Master?

Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah.

This line from today's gospel, especially the word master, brought to mind a friend from years past, who studied as an apprentice carpenter under the tutolage of a man who would later become his father-in-law. My friend always called that man by his name preceded with the title master. In so doing he was showing this man, his teacher, respect and honor by calling him master and it caught on with others soon calling him in the same way.


There are many definitions for the word master;
1.a person with the ability or power to use, control, or dispose of something: a master of six languages; to be master of one's fate.

2.an owner of a slave, animal, etc.

3.an employer of workers or servants.

4.the male head of a household.

5.a person eminently skilled in something, as an occupation, art, or science 

I went to an all boys high school where we had a Headmaster. You hear of one receiving a Master's degree and an emcee of an event called the Master of Ceremonies. A chess player may reach the level of chessmaster and senior, experienced martial artists are called master or grandmaster.

Jesus who taught sitting on the ground and not from the exalted chairs and thrones told us that we are all brothers and must be careful not to confer on titles such as rabbi, father, master,an importance and power that may obscure the fact that there is only one who is rabbi, father, master.What is more important is not social approval or the respect of other human beings, nor is it titles of honour “rabbi”, but to be “poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3) because they have placed themselves in the hands of God and claim nothing for themselves, and that is where their treasure lies

Here's a contemplation from the Carmelites;

"Lord, you have warned me against hypocritical behaviour that does not reflect the new way that inspires the community of your disciples. How easy it is to place oneself back in the centre, to grow attached to habits, to stay still, while listening to your Word. Yes, I too am among those who “say and do not do” and your Word makes me uncomfortable. The search for external signs, for approval, for titles and honours disturbs my thoughts and weakens fraternity. Make my intentions and behaviour as pure as were those of your mother, Mary, so as to build a community according to your feelings and with your same compassion for all. Amen"

The Holy Spirit Will Teach You

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are trying to find the appropriate thing to say?

As I was trying to console someone who was having a hard time dealing with the loss of their mother I was grasping for something that would ease that pain.

I'm reminded of this moment once again as I read in this morning's Gospel these words;

"For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say." ~ Luke 12:12

As I kept talking to that grieving person I eventually found one word that would drastically wipe out the tears and sadness. As I sat back, I couldn't figure out where that came from other than the Holy Spirit.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." ~ John 14:25-27

The Holy Spirit is known by many names and here we read how St. John calls him the helper and teacher. What better resource do we want to tap into for as Kay Arthur says,  "God knows what each one of us is dealing with. He knows our pressures. He knows our conflicts. And He has made a provision for each and every one of them. That provision is Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, indwelling us and empowering us to respond rightly."

I echo the prayer from St. Augustine

"O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams."