GIVE PEACE O LORD TO THOSE WHO WAIT FOR YOU AND HEAR THEIR PRAYERS

GIVE PEACE O LORD TO THOSE WHO WAIT FOR YOU AND HEAR THEIR PRAYERS


GIVE PEACE O LORD TO THOSE WHO WAIT FOR YOU AND HEAR THEIR PRAYERS

(TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019)


Saint Paul's description of a Christian leader is quite instructive. He includes bishops, deacons, and women. The purpose of this reflection centers on the qualities expected of anyone who would lead the people of God. Although Paul refers to the office of a bishop as a "noble task," he doesn't really talk about tasks. Instead, he talks about the type of person we need as a bishop or generally as leaders. He does the same when speaking of deacons and the women.

St. Paul’s emphasis here is that they be able teachers and good managers, knowing how to take care of the people entrusted under their care. The remainder of his instructions focuses on the character of the leader: faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, not aggressive, gentle, etc. He warns the Church not to appoint recent converts or people who have not been tested. A good leader is one who has learned first to be a good follower.

The psalm response imitates Saint Paul by focusing on the character of the disciple. Like the bishop, deacon, or women, followers of God walk with a blameless heart. They persevere in the way of integrity. They guard their eyes against even looking on something that is base. They do not slander, do not have haughty eyes, or a puffed-up heart. These are exactly the type of people that Paul would appoint as leaders in the Church.
In the Gospel story, we catch a glimpse of why Saint Paul focuses more on the character of leaders instead of their tasks.

Jesus Himself does a great deed; He restores a dead son to his widowed mother. Only God can do this so the people saw in this act God’s visitation of His people. However, the focus in the story is not so much on what Jesus did but why He did it. Jesus "saw her." He saw a woman who had received a "double tragedy," the death of her husband and now her only son. This is a woman in trouble; she will be destitute. Jesus was "moved with pity for her."

This is why He acted. He wasn't showing off or trying to prove something. He was doing what He could to help a woman who desperately needed it. He was showing the mercy of God. As Pope Francis once said that, Jesus is the face of the Father's mercy. As leaders in various capacities, be it in the family level, the Church and society at large, we are called always to imitate Christ who as a Good Shepherd and an impeccable leader understands the situation around Him.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me grace to be responsible in discharging my duties and may I be a good example to those who look up to me. Amen.