Word to the Wise
Monday, July 25, 2022 - July 25 - St. James, Apostle
[2 Cor 4:7-15 and Matt 20:20-28]We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.. [2 Cor] "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them 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.]
Jesus' words in the Gospel According to Matthew were spoken to the Twelve when an attempt was made by the "mother of the sons of Zebedee," James and John, to secure positions of power and prestige for her two sons in the "kingdom" which Jesus was preaching. One of those sons, James, is the subject of today's feast! Although Jesus asks James and his brother, John, if they are ready to "drink the chalice that I am going to drink," their "yes" might have been more muted if they read St. Paul's description of his own life in 2 Corinthians! [cf. also in 2 Cor 6:3-10 and 11:23-29]. Since the other ten were upset at Mother Zebedee's attempt, Jesus calls them all to a pep talk that should sober them about what "power" in the kingdom of heaven is about.
Anyone who holds "power" in an organization, especially in the church, needs to keep Lord Acton's famous words in mind: "Power corrupts. Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." It has been my fate to serve as religious superior a number of times in one or another Dominican community. I try to keep the term "Primus inter pares" (first among equals) in mind. One may be assured I didn't apply for the role in any instance! I also try to keep a Chinese proverb in mind: "Government is like frying small fish - it should be done with a light hand." Leadership and power have one goal: SERVICE. James and his brother John and the other apostles would see this when Jesus would wash their feet at the Last Supper. It is an example he has charged us all to remember. AMEN