Word to the Wise
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - Wednesday in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time
[Sir 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17 and Mark 10:32-45]"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant." [Mark]
"Power corrupts. Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely." The prominent British Catholic aristocrat, Lord Acton, wrote those words in a letter to an English bishop at the time of the First Vatican Council. He was referring to his concerns about those who favored a declaration of the infallibility of the pope, particularly Pius IX! His words, however, took on a life of their own and have been applied to non-ecclesiastical settings as well. In the case of the Sons of Zebedee, who try to gain a position of power "in your glory." Jesus points out the available models that they were aware of, and expressly rejects any such models for his followers. Sadly, in the history of the church, Jesus' words have been ignored or forgotten. If the desire for power infected the apostles, we should not be surprised that their successors should fall prey to the same temptations.
We should not be too quick to blame bishops and pastors. "Power games" occur in all groups in the church from ushers to choir directors to anyone who likes to feel "powerful." This past Christmas, Pope Francis gave what amounted to a tongue-lashing to the top Vatican officials about careerism and power. His remarks should be read by all in the church. The desire to be "boss" is often cloaked in words of service and altruism, but the real motivation is power. Some do show they have the right "stuff" and use power for good. Others do not. The model we are given is the one Jesus gives us. His reply to the Sons of Zebedee warns them (and the "indignant" ten others) that they will suffer his fate. Perhaps that should be written into the job description for any position of power in our church! AMEN
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