Word to the Wise
Monday, July 25, 2016 - July 25 - St. James, Apostle
[2 Cor 4:7-15 and Matt 20:20-28]MONDAY, JULY 25, 2016 ST. JAMES, apostle [2 Corinthians 4:7-15 and Matthew 20:20-28] "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave." [Matt.] Just before Christmas in 2014, Pope Francis used the traditional annual pre-Christmas gathering with all the Vatican heads of departments to take them to task for a number of faults most of which were rooted in a kind of abuse of power and career-ism. One may be certain that it was not the kind of message they were accustomed to hearing, especially at that time of year! But the Pope's pep talk was pretty much along the lines of the one Jesus gave all twelve of the apostles after two of them tried to gain a privileged place. One of those two sons of Zebedee, James, is celebrated today. Although in Matthew's version of the story their mother intercedes for them, it is clear that they are there with her. The other ten cry "Foul!" So, Jesus gives them a "pep talk" about ambition and service. I have just completed a retreat this weekend for candidates in formation for the Permanent Diaconate and their spouses. I make a point of raising the issue of power and service because even with Permanent Deacons there is a kind of "clericalism" that can creep in and create problems. However, the problem can infect even folks like ushers and liturgists and other ministerial servants. Any "power" conveyed by position is meant for service and not for ruling. Constant vigilance is necessary from Pope to pew person to avoid the pitfalls of power. St. James' feast day gives us another opportunity to exercise that vigilance! AMEN
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