Rabbi

  Perhaps we don't think of Jesus being called "Rabbi" as being a particular title for him.  Yet it was.  Jesus was a teacher.  His disciples referred to him as "Rabbi."  For example, Peter says, in Mark 9:5 at the Transfiguration, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here."  A blind man calls him "Rabbi" in Mark 10:51. "Rabbi, I want to see."  Even Judas called him "Rabbi" at the last supper and again in the garden when he betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26: 25, 49).  
  Jesus said, though, that we should not be called "Rabbi" or "Teacher" or "Father" because there is only one Rabbi, one Master, one Father, one Teacher (Matthew 23:7-11).  We are not to give ourselves such an exalted status. Instead we are to be brothers and servants to one another.
  For Reflection:  Is there any way in which we have exalted ourselves beyond where God has placed us?
  Let us pray.  Rabbi, you are our great Master, our true Teacher.  You have the words of everlasting life.
(photo by Charlotte Romero)

---