This Sunday’s Gospel is among my favorite passages in the New Testament. It is the story of some of the Apostles’ vying for the top spot in Jesus’ “Table of Organization.” These men have totally missed the point! They still don’t get the Lord’s message and mission. Jesus sets them straight.

We must expel from ourselves the obsession to be number one, from having to get ahead of others at the expense of leaving them behind.

When I read and reflect on the story, mostly what comes to mind is my favorite hymn, called the *Servant Song*. For me it is the “*Deacon Song*.” It clearly applies to me and it applies to all the disciples of Christ.

I can write no better words than its author, Richard Gilliard:
“Brother, will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on the journey; we are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ light for you in the nighttime of your fear.
I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping. When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven we shall find such harmony,
Born to all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony.

Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace to let you be my servant too.“