Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 - 2nd Week of Lent - Wed
[Jer 18:18-20 and Matt 20:17-28]WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018. WEDNESDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT [Jeremiah 18:18-20 and Matthew 20:17-28] "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 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." [Matthew] Jesus summons the disciples to give them a little pep talk about power. James and John have just had their mother approach Jesus about preferred positions for her sons in Jesus' kingdom! Somehow the other ten find out about this end run and get upset (because they didn't think of it themselves?). The models of power around them included the Romans and their local appointed folks like Herod. Power meant being able to command and be served. Jesus pulls the rug out from under that notion. He has already warned James and John that they will have to suffer the same way he will. Any thoughts of preferment belong to the Father. As I give retreats for priests and deacons and hear their stories of problems in their parishes or dioceses, I become more and more convinced that the root problem is one of power and who has it. The simple expedient of a key to a particular closet where an organization can keep its "stuff" can be a problem. (The "power of the keys" I call it.). "Turf wars" can take place over liturgical matters. Ushers can become overbearing in ordering people to certain pews! When this kind of thing is taken to a "higher" level like diocesan administration and the bishop of the diocese, the problem is magnified. This is why Pope Francis' good example example is so needed, and even he is not beyond flexing his power muscles at times. Yes, good and firm leadership must be balanced by a gentle and inspiring style that reflects Jesus' example in washing the feet of the disciples (John 13). He gave a good example but was also firm with Peter when the latter balked at having his feet washed! Lent offers us a chance to see where we are in a position of power (parent, teacher, pastor, etc.) and see if we are following Jesus' formula of leadership. AMEN
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