Jn 13:16–20
Truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand this, and blessed are you, if you put it into practice.
I am not speaking of you all, because I know the ones I have chosen, and the Scripture has to be fulfilled which says: The one who shares my table will rise up against me. I tell you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you may know that I am He.
Truly, I say to you, whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the One who sent me.
REFLECTION
Dyadic relationship is a dialogic one-on-one verbal communication between two people about their likes and dislikes, and questions and answers concerning life and beliefs. This relationship has an after effect on these two. Master-servant dialogic relationship brings the two people into a level where each influences the other. The dyad malfunctions when the master fails heart and soul to bring on board the servant, and vice versa. Another problem occurs if the difference between sender and messenger is befogged.
Jesus wants to maintain the distinctions between these poles: master-servant and sender-messenger. Overemphasis on their differences makes authority dictatorial, demeaning and demanding. Maintaining the differences, one can learn so much from each other. Obliterating their differences doesn’t allow one to fulfill each other’s mission. Right approach to dyadic relationship makes the two people of each pole relate with each other “for better and for worse.” That’s why Jesus could teach the apostles, “I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” By maintaining his status as their Master, Jesus taught his disciples how such a high position can be of humble service. It is not an authoritarian lordship, but one of loving service.
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