Palm Sunday and the Synodal Church as exemplary servant leaders.

By Christine Masivo

Palm Sunday it serves as a moving reminder of the humility and servant leadership embodied by Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem. This occasion offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the principles of servant leadership, particularly within the context of the synodal church, where everyone play a vital role. In the synodal church, everyone is called to exemplify servant leadership through their dedication to serving others, their communities, and the greater good. 

Like Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, we are to humbly serve those in need, embodying compassion, empathy, and selflessness. Palm Sunday symbolizes the beginning of Holy Week, a time of reflection, sacrifice, and service. 

Just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, have nothing to do with majesty and power, all Christians in the synodal church prioritize simplicity and humility in their leadership. They lead not with authority or domination, but with a spirit of service and love. In the spirit of the synodal church, where all members are encouraged to actively participate and contribute, we engage in dialogue, collaboration, and communal discernment. Each persons leadership style is inclusive, seeking to empower others and amplify diverse voices within the community. 

Furthermore, Palm Sunday invites us to contemplate the journey of Jesus towards the cross, where he willingly sacrificed himself for the salvation of humanity. Christians Catholics too understand the importance of sacrifice in their various vocations as clergy, religious men and women and the lay vocation. They devote their lives to God and others, embracing challenges and hardships with grace and resilience.

As we reflect on Palm Sunday and the servant leadership of Jesus Christ, let us also honor the invaluable contributions of each in the synodal church. Their commitment to serving others, fostering community, and embodying the principles of humility and sacrifice enriches the spiritual fabric of the church and inspires us all to live lives of service and love.