Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Easter
[Acts 20:28-38 and John 17:1-11a]I know quite well that when I have gone fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard, remembering how night and day for three years I never slackened in counseling each one of you with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and give you your inheritance among all the sanctified.
Farewell speeches can be emotional events. Paul's farewell speech to the Elders of Miletus is a touching experience. We are told that his audience was crying and hugging him because he had told them they would never see him again. He knows that he too would not be able to come to their rescue if their faith would be disturbed by false prophets and teachers. It is a poignant time. He seems much more human in this speech than in many of his other speeches. But, then again, this speech is written by Luke, the author of Acts! I've had to give a number of those "farewell speeches" in the past. It is difficult to leave a community where one has worked hard to build up the faith. Yet, communities must be able to stand on their own and develop their own leadership in order to mature and last as a continual positive witness. Occasional renewals are necessary. Fresh new leadership must emerge. Paul was a very strong personality and could carry an entire community's life on his shoulders. Very few of us can do that. To some degree it is harder in our individualistic/democratic culture where leadership and power are so politicized. It is truly the work of the Holy Spirit when a community can "gel" around the gospel and recognize a broad range of leadership as well as encourage other members to develop their talents to take on the responsibilities later on. Paul seems to have done that but he knew well the dangers ahead. Perhaps his speech can inspire the rest of us. AMEN
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