(Mal.1:14b-2:2b,8-10; Ps.131:1-3; 1Thes.2:7b-9,13; Mt.23:1-12) "Have we not all the one Father? Has not the one God created us?" And should not those who serve in His stead, bringing the word of God to waiting hearts, be as He is, loving all as He does and thus giving "glory to [His] name"? "I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me," King David declares, thus revealing the blessed relationship of the faithful, humble disciple and His Lord. We are indeed as little children before God, and He loves us as a tender Father, as the One who has made us with great care. And so we should take our peace upon His lap. And when the sheep of the flock come to the shepherds the Lord has appointed to teach in His Name, they should find a reflection of the Father's presence – in these one should discover His love. Yes, they must instruct according to the Word placed upon their souls by their ordination, but they should not merit the words Jesus speaks of the Pharisees: "They preach but they do not practice." For if "all their works are performed to be seen," if they teach and preach without love, without living the word of God themselves, soon the flock will be led astray by their vanity and turn from the word they speak itself. Malachi prophesies to the priests of his day: "You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction." If these leaders show no reverence of God themselves, who will be led to reverence by their instruction? Yes, still our duty is to God Himself and our worship is of Him alone – and so Jesus teaches the people, "Do and observe whatsoever [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you, but do not follow their example" – but He also demands of His followers that they not possess the vanity of these proud leaders. Oh if all approached the service of Paul, how blessed our Church would be! Listen to his words to the Thessalonians: "Brothers and sisters: we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children," for he and his fellow workers "were determined to share with [them] not only the Gospel of God, but [their] very selves as well," so much did they love their flock with the love of God. And this is as all pastors are called to be, "working night and day" for the little ones in their care. "Feed my sheep," the Lord commanded His Rock; and all our priests are called to feed the members of the Church not only with the Word of God, but also with His love, that they might learn to take refuge in Him who is Father of all. I ask you, has the Lord not become incarnate in our midst? And should that Incarnation not be known in all our flesh and in all our bone? Then let us serve one another in love. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Everyone's A Baby, Everyone's A Child" from All One, sixth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let us humble ourselves before you, our Father. YHWH, let us all be humble before you, as children on their mother's lap; then we shall know your blessing – then we shall live in your love. But if we should become proud and seek the praise of others, our souls will be thus corrupted and we will know you no more. O LORD, please send us holy priests to guide us in your ways. May they always preach your Word in truth that our hearts might not go astray; and may they live according to the Gospel they impart, that an example of your self-giving love will be ever with us. What is a family without a father, and how can we be your children without your image revealed among us, without the instruction and sacrifice of your Son made real in our midst? You have created us, dear LORD, and you desire to share your blessings with us all. In genuine humility let us come before you and others, serving ever your saving Word.