There’s a workplace trent that has been going since the mid - ’90s called "self-promotion." When I first heard of it, in the United States, it was relatively acceptable among self-employed entrepreneurs, freelancers, and even among those in the corporate world. Self-promotion, considered by some to be boasting and by others to be an art, means doing away with false modesty and applying creative and confident methods to market your products, services and yourslef. If you are aiming for a business deal, you simply have to be more aggressive (without looking it) in following up "silent" prospects; if you are writing a resume, you make it more elaborate than the usual facts - only approach. In short, you are telling future clients or employers that you will definitely be an asset to their company.
Strangely, Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel reminded me of self-promotion - maybe because at first glance it points ho Himself. "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me." If these words were uttered by a cell phone salesman, or even by a priest, for exmaple, it would indeed sound like the self-promotion of the most ridiculous variety, but Jesus is Jesus, and in our guts we know he is not simply boasting about his products, services or himself, nor is he regarding us as prospective clients whose approval or affirmation he needs.
Jesus’ words are backed up by "performance" - his works, miracles, life attest to the power he has been given, and we know where tat power comes from. If we must call his declaration of power "self-promotion" so be it, but let it enable us to ensure that our self-promotion is supported by excellent performance and the "right connection." To be healthy and fruitful, self-promotion must recognize that true power comes from God, who is Love. At the end of today’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples "I am with you always " Thus, his "Self-Promotion" is not meant to ultimately point to himself but to assure us that with such power as his we cannot but win. Aim for the "right connection" then realize that in promoting yourself you also have the welfare of others at heart,and you will always win.
