Word to the Wise
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Wednesday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Judg 9:6-15 and Matt 20:1-16]"Once the trees went to anoint a king over themselves. So they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.' But the olive tree answered them, 'Must I give up my rich oil, whereby men and gods are honored, and go to wave over the trees?' Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come, you reign over us!' But the fig tree answered them, 'Must I give up my sweetness and my good fruit and go to wave over the trees?' Then the trees said to the vine, 'Come you and reign over us.' But the vine answered them, 'Must I give up my wine that cheers gods and men, and go to wave over the trees?' Then all the trees said to the buckthorn, 'Come; you reign over us!' But the buckthorn replied to the trees, 'If you wish to anoint me king over you in good faith come and take refuge in my shadow. Otherwise, let fire come from the buckthorn and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'"
AUGUST 20, ST. BERNARD
The Dominican Order (the Order of Preachers) is one of the most democratic institutions in the Catholic church. All of our leadership is elected, from local to international, and for specific terms. However, "campaigning" is not permitted, although a session, called a "caucus," just before an election is permitted to discuss the needs of the house, province or entire order and speak to the qualifications of a possible leader(s). This should be familiar to most folks in our country, especially to those who are "politically active." Local, state and national political groups do this in one form or another.
One of the problems encountered in this process is finding people who are willing to "run" or be considered for leadership, whether political or simply members of a parish council or superior of a religious community! When we Dominicans are faced with the process, I think of the parable from the Book of Judges that forms the first scripture for today's Mass!!!
Whether in the scriptures or in civil life, the underlying element is POWER and the responsibility that comes with it. Some people are drawn to power, others are frightened by it. Power in the Catholic church has principally been concentrated in the Pope and the bishops and clergy. The nuncio in our country has commented on the difficulty nowadays of getting priests to accept appointment to the episcopacy!! Pope Francis has tried to call all of us to exercise responsibility and power in the church through the "synodal" model. When such power is, as a matter of faith, from God and given to us to exercise for the good of all, some folks are intimidated and others exhilarated! The challenge remains for our reflection. How do we find the right people to "reign over us?" Are we willing to exercise the ministry of leadership? AMEN