RBWords

     It is a well known thing in the Dominican Order that very few of the brothers wish to become a superior in a community.  In fact, anyone who displays a desire to become a superior is suspect!  The "perks" are few and the responsibilities can be difficult, especially when it comes to financial, administrative or disciplinary matters.  Superiors, at least canonically or according to the constitutions of most religious orders, have considerable power.  How he or she exercises that power can be the principal problem.  I can speak to this from personal experience.  I have been a superior four times (including my current status in my Dominican community here in Lubbock).  If one were to wonder why I often speak about wisdom in these daily reflections, it is because I am so often in need of it for my responsibilities, which can be anywhere from trivial to pivotal!!

     When the disciples try to create a "pecking order" amongst themselves, Jesus calls them together and gives them a pep talk about what leadership means.  What it does NOT mean is "rulership."   Everyone in our church from Usher and Choir director to Pope has to know or learn that principle, both in theory and in practice!  The contrasts between the last three or four popes, or, for that matter, the last three or four American presidents provide us with more than enough evidence.  

     Jesus' example at the Last Supper in the Gospel According to John (Chap. 13) is the best witness when he washes the feet of the disciples.  "If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, so must you likewise wash one another's feet.  I have given you an example to follow."   "First" means "last" and "servant" in Jesus' job description for a superior or leader.  AMEN