The people of Israel were notorious for violating the covenant that their fathers made with the Lord. In the Book of the Prophet Malachi, the Lord lays responsibility for this situation squarely upon the priests who, he says, have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by their instruction. These leaders have failed in their duties to the people; they have failed to live in a way that models appropriate behavior for the people. They certainly do not conform to the ideal presented in Psalm 131: O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty, the psalmist prays. Like the psalmist, great leaders do not have an inflated sense of their own importance. Rather, they are attentive to their relationship with the Lord, cognizant of their dependence on God, like a weaned child on its mother’s lap. Only then can they lead effectively. The priests of Malachi’s time are in violation of all that this psalm represents.
Jesus similarly had difficult encounters with the religious leaders of his time. While the people should do and observe all things whatsoever the scribes and the Pharisees tell you, they should not follow the example of these so-called leaders, Jesus says in Matthew’s Gospel, for they preach but they do not practice; all their works are performed to be seen. True leaders, Jesus states, build their authority on the love of God. It’s about God and God’s love for you; it’s not about you, Jesus seems to be saying to these so-called leaders. Hence, the greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
In his Letter to the Thessalonians, Paul understood the importance of humility, as well as Jesus’ admonition that you have but one teacher, and you are all brothers; indeed, Paul refers to the community as dearly beloved brothers and sisters. Paul and his companions loved the Thessalonians even before their conversion; he reminds them of his affection for them that pre-existed his preaching to them. Like a nursing mother cares for her children, Paul and his companions began, first, with love. Only if love drives you first and foremost can you preach the good news; only with love can you be a leader who opens hearts to the love of God, feeding them with the Word, that they might be fed by their relationship with God.
What does it mean to be a good leader? We could start by remembering what it means to be church, which involves being the embodiment of God’s love for all people. This is our identity, whether we be leaders or followers: all we do must come from his love for us, that we might draw all to Christ.
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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