Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
One of the most beautiful and ancient titles of the Bishop of Rome and the Universal Pastor of our Church is, servus sevorum Dei – ‘servant of the servants of God.’ Despite the historically scandalizing Popes who have failed to live up to that title and lived lives that were the antithesis of that of the Savior, the truly holy Popes have exemplified this title in their humble and loving service to God’s holy people.
The notion of ‘servant-leadership’ is the hallmark of a true follower of the Lord. All ministry in the Church is servant leadership. The very word, ‘ministry’ comes from two Latin words, ‘minus’ and ‘stare’ that mean ‘to stand less.’ Every minister of the Church if they are to truly serve in the name of Christ are to ‘stand less’ and never lord it over those whom they are called to serve.
Servant-leadership is not only a hallmark of those who minister within the Church but should be a central characteristic of all Christians as they bring the transforming gospel of Christ to the marketplace.
One who serves the common good in the noble calling of politics is truly effective in that role to the extent that they are willing to ‘stand less’ so that the common good can shine for all.