May 27 – Memorial for St. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
St. Augustine (d. 605) was a monk and abbot of St. Andrew’s abbey in Rome. He was sent by Pope Gregory the Great with 40 brother monks, including St. Lawrence of Canterbury, to evangelize the British Isles in 597. Before he reached the islands, terrifying tales of the Celts sent him back to Rome in fear, but Gregory told him he had no choice, so he went. He established and spread the faith throughout England; one of his earliest converts was King AEthelberht, who brought 10,000 of his people into the Church.
He was ordained a bishop in Gaul (modern France) by the Archbishop of Arles. He became Bishop of Canterbury, and was the first Archbishop of Canterbury. He helped re-establish contact between the Celtic and Latin churches, though he could not establish his desired uniformity of liturgy and practices between them. He worked with St. Justus of Canterbury. The Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury are still referred to as occupying the Chair of Augustine.
- Patron Saint Index
1 Pet 1:18-25
Mk 10:32-45
When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John…
In this passage, James and John go up to Jesus and boldly ask to sit at His left and right in His glory. It is not surprising that the other ten disciples became indignant.
Perhaps the resentment had already been building among the apostles. Jesus seemed especially close to Peter, James, and John, bringing them up Mount Tabor where they witnessed His Transfiguration. These three would later also accompany Him during moments of deepest sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane.
So when James and John — already perceived to be among the ‘favoured few’ — asked for the highest places of honour beside Jesus, it is easy to understand why the others reacted angrily.
Having worked in the corporate world for over 30 years, I have seen my fair share of ‘apple polishers’ — people who do all they can to curry favour with the boss. Often, they are rewarded with promotions despite not necessarily being the most deserving.
But Jesus understands the human heart. He knows how easily we seek status, recognition, and power. That is why He calmly reminds the apostles that authority in God’s kingdom is entirely different from worldly authority: “You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you.”
In the Church, authority is meant to look very different. As Jesus explains, true greatness is found in servitude. The one with the greatest authority is called to become the servant of all.
How true this remains even today. Many church and ministry leaders quietly carry heavy burdens with little recognition, often receiving more complaints than encouragement. Yet there are also times when authority can become distorted — when church leadership becomes more about control, status, or personal ownership than humble service.
This can happen when we serve the Church with a worldly mindset, instead of the mind of Christ.
Admittedly, I think it is extremely difficult to balance authority, pride and servanthood. Perhaps because of this, I have often avoided ministry leadership, not wanting to deal with the politics that can sometimes come with it. I am also aware of how easily leadership can feed the ego or invite criticism. So, my mindset has often been — I will simply do what is necessary, serve where needed, and avoid leadership altogether. After all, it is always easier to criticise leaders from a distance than to place ourselves in positions where we too may be criticised.
And so, in many church ministries, it often ends up being the same ‘old guards’ at the helm, because there are few willing to step forward and take over.
Last weekend was Pentecost, where we were once again reminded that we have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that we should not be afraid to do what we are called to do, “for God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:7).
Perhaps the real challenge is not whether leadership in the Church is difficult — it is whether we are willing to step forward when He calls, and trust that He will grace us with the humility we need for service.
Brothers and sisters, how is God calling you to serve His Church today?
(Today’s OXYGEN by Esther Leet)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You showed us that true greatness is not found in power, recognition, or status, but in humble service. Teach us to follow your example and serve as You served — with humility and love. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for the gifts and opportunities You have given each of us to serve Your people. Give us the courage to step forward when You call, and the humility to serve without seeking honour or praise. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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