We live in a world where wealth, status and power are very important. Each one of us can be infected by this trend. Many of us, too, are in some position of authority whether as politicians or government officials, bishops or priests, teachers or parents. "Do what I tell you!" But, as Jesus says today, people in authority do not always practise what they preach. "Do as I say, not as I do" could be their policy. It can cause pain in people who see themselves treated unjustly or in children who see a double standard - one for them and another for those over them. We can all usefully examine our consciences here.

Jesus, too, would do away with all titles by which people put themselves on a higher level than others. We in the Church seem to love such titles and some insist on them. Jesus - and He shows the way - wants us all to be brothers and sisters whose only concern is to take care of the wellbeing of those around us.