Better to be a peg that holds others up than a nail that rusts in corruption
Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time – August 23, 2026
In many countries of the world, corruption is there, even in so called rich countries. It is easy to target people like Shebna, in the First Reading, and say he is evil: but he wasn’t always evil! Otherwise, he would not have been appointed in the first place.
This reminds us that each one of us is capable of being Shebna: in fact, the Kenyan landscape is littered with politicians and corrupt Government officials who have been seduced by money and power. A certain Professor shared with our youth last week how a new MP in parliament is immediately compromised: they are sworn in, and then led to the Treasury Office and given 5M loan to buy a nice car (they are now an important person); then the next office gives them another 8M loan to improve or buy a house.
So, their salary plus allowances (about 1M per months) is suddenly reduced substantially by the loan repayments. But the people in their constituencies are demanding money from them which they no longer have. Now they are very open to receiving money for voting in Parliament in a certain way instead of the way their conscience wants them to do.
We are like God, looking for an upright man as God found in Eliakim. But, can any of us find an honest and upright man to vote for in Kenya? Eliakim stands as a model for each of us to find peace in our lives by living honourably and dealing honestly with our neighbour. The praise heaped on Eliakim is a sign of the praise people (God) will pour on us if we are honest.
Likewise, Shebna stands as a warning to each of us that corruption will eventually destroy us. It is confusing when we see criminals in powerful positions “enjoying life” and many pleasures as they plunder the wealth of others. And here we are, trying to be honest and living a hard life. But, Romans encourages us to trust that God will always reward us if we persevere in honesty.
Mathew’s Gospel reminds us today about the importance of knowing who we are: for young people it is very often a struggle to believe in ourselves. Often comparing ourselves to others, admiring others, and putting ourselves down because we are not as beautiful or successful or skilled as others.
Among the many other lessons of this Gospel, Jesus invites us to know ourselves by who God thinks we are. Let us not play up to the crowd for praise, but to be courageous and do new things. Jesus chose Peter: an illiterate but loyal man, who failed many times.
Young people, please DO NOT belittle yourselves. Be humble by being open to learning from others. Work hard, try as many things as you can (legal ones of course!) and let God lead you into amazing places and amazing adventures. Ignore TikTok and Instagram: be yourself.
Don’t let setbacks pull you down, but let them wake you up. The text in Romans can be partly understood by a student struggling with exams and disappointed with the results: they feel confused about their future. Later, they discover how the results led them to a different path that they really enjoy.
In the end, we can say that leadership is less about being the boss and more about being authentic: people will come to ask our advice when they see we are open and honest. You will be more loved and respected as an honest person than as a powerful person (people just want to use you to get money or power).
You can see the difference between Shebna and Peter. And the similarities between Eliakim and Peter: “You are Peter and, on this rock, I will build my Church.”
Imagine a young Kenyan lady called Wanjiku working as an accountant at a fast-growing tech company in Nairobi. Her supervisor routinely cooks the books, falsifies tax receipts, and uses company funds for personal luxury while delaying the salaries of the junior staff. Wanjiku refuses to compromise her values despite immense pressure. Eventually, an internal audit exposes the boss, and he’s fired. The directors call Wanjiku, hand her the keys to the department, and promote her.
God removes those who abuse authority. When young people maintain their integrity, God roots them firmly like a “peg” in a secure place so they can lift others up (like Eliakim). What will you choose? The easy way through selfish corruption and get destroyed later? Or, will you struggle as an honest person, and always be respected?
Let’s conclude with two challenges for the week ahead:
First: can each of us turn off our phones for 5+ minutes every morning or evening this week to listen to who Jesus says you are: let’s block out the noise of the world.
Second: each day, can we be a “peg” for someone else? Seek out one person in the parish, neighbourhood or school who is struggling, or lonely, and encourage them.
Much respect will come to you, and you will know who you are in the eyes of God.
By Gerard Conlan, OMI