LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

Picture this scene if you will from Matthew (20: 20-28) ; it is an unusual gathering with Jesus, the twelve apostles and members of their families and other followers.  Maybe it’s a party. We know Jesus loved parties.  Jesus is not on a throne being adored, but simply part of the family, talking, laughing and eating perhaps. The relaxed atmosphere is obvious given the self-assurance of the mother of James and John who is not shy around Jesus.  In her mother’s pride she asks him, in all seriousness, to give her sons the honor of being on His right and left in the kingdom.  After all, they were called the Sons of Thunder for their strength of character and devotion and she felt they deserved the honor.  Jesus’ answer is gentle, possibly because he knew how mother’s are about their sons. He tells her she doesn’t know what she is asking.  He cautions that what will be required of them as his followers between those days and the kingdom, will not be glorious or easy and this honor she wants for them comes with a big price tag, but she and her sons are convinced they can handle it. (Incidentally, here is another strong woman in Jesus’ company.) Jesus then tells them the honor is not his to bestow but only determined by the Father.  Then, as it is with most families when they get together, jealousy reared its ugly head and the other ten disciples complained that James and John are getting special treatment.

Jesus stops them in their tracks.  He makes them see how trivial the discussion is. In his inimitable fashion he changes the focus entirely to further educate them in the path they are to follow:

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority felt.  But it shall not be so with you.  Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you, will be your servant, and whoever wishes to to be first among you shall be your slave.”

We have a living example of what Jesus described in Pope Francis.  From the start he shunned pomp and exaltation in favor of humility and love.  He has set a tone for the Church, which has gotten very far from this ideal.  The message of Christ is so simple.  Loving people means always regarding others as part of the family.  We know it isn’t easy, just look at the Disciples, but we also know it is our duty.  Remember the story of the proud man who was so enamored of himself he actually bragged to God about how good he was while he looked with disdain on the poor man in the back?  That’s how the world is, but we are called to a different attitude. Jesus set the example of loving humility and Pope Francis lives it for all to see.  Saying; “I am a Christian” has no value unless you live like one. That is, one who truly follows that example. 

Blessings everyone,

Carol Lemelin OPA