In the Acts of the apostles we read Paul and Barnabas carrying out their ministry in Lystra. While there they engage in preaching the Gospel, and working miracles by healing the crippled. Witnessing the miracles performed by them the citizens of Lyconia glorify them and name them as Zeus and Hermes (Greek gods).
This glorification of humans by other humans is not something uncommon. Often some of us religious and priests too find ourselves on such an exalted pedestal. A cursory reading of the text or any such situation can be interpreted as the esteem and respect attributed by the beneficiaries to those offering the help.
Nonetheless they are could also be somewhere within our own efforts at proclaiming the Gospel, a subtle aspiration to be glorified ourselves, rather than letting Christ take centre stage. A worse scenario is where Christ never was and is the focus. He is only an excuse. In His name, we blow our own trumpet.
It need not always be the admiration or misinterpretation of the listeners. Perhaps, in exalting the preacher, the listeners have rightly understood who the 'hero' is. Hence the glorification of the preacher.
I know not if Paul and Barnabas sensed this 'failure' of theirs to reflect Christ, and in despair tore their garments, but even if not, at least they had the courage to correct the people's misplaced trust. Either way, it is a good lesson for us priests and religious to get our act and priorities right.
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