First Reading: Mal 1:14b-2:2b,8-10
Second Reading: 1Thes 2:7b-9,13
Gospel: Mathew 23:1-12
Do and Observe Everything they do, but do Not Follow
their Examples.
One day, my
superior advised me saying, “If you want to win peoples trust and lead them
without struggle you need to be an example in everything you do. By doing so, you
will realize that whatever indications you will be giving or the words you will
utter to them will be acceptable. Failing in this will lead to failures and
this will indicate that you have as well failed in leading others.” He ended up
saying that people do not like empty words but rather rely on actions. Thus, a
leader teaches through example. I was obliged to apply this method
and as at the moment I can admit that it worked out. Today’s readings agree with
this thought.
Dear friends in
Christ, the first reading and the Gospel are so closely related. Both warn
about the behavior of leaders. Prophet Malachi bases on the priest of the time
from Levi tradition. According to their position, they were expected to have
certain qualities which could enhance them to fit and benefit from the activities
which were entrusted to them. Priests of the Old Testament were highly
respected and whatever they uttered was highly regarded by the faithful. The
much trust accorded to them is the reason behind the message from the prophet Malachi
who today advises them saying that they will receive many blessings from God
if they listen to Him and follow what He tells them. The Prophet is clear that if
they go astray, they will be cursed. A similar message is conveyed in the
Gospel to the scribes and pharisees who like sitting in front seats of the
temple and being honored in market places.
These readings
serve to teach us qualities of a good leader; that a good leader is one who is present
before others by his good example. Consequently, failure to do so makes such a
leader a bad leader. This is as well manifested in the characters mentioned in
the Gospel. The scribes and pharisees do not give good example to others, prompting
Jesus to tell his followers not to follow their example. Our Father Founder
Saint Anthony Mary Claret seemed to understand the importance of good
leadership. He mentions in his Autobiography that what the leaders need most is
to practice virtues. For him, one of the virtues which is very important above
all is humility (Autobiography No. 341).
Problems arise when
leaders fail in their duties. The problems in leadership may arise through words comprising elements of foul language that leaders may tend to
utter. Actions here goes with how leaders appear to the people physically and
become the source of inspiration to the others. Laziness also becomes a
problem, since failure to do what is expected from you as a leader through example,
hinders the trust of people who are subordinate to you. For instance, failure
to attend Mass on Sundays and days of obligation, and failing to admonish the
evil doers and challenge their evil actions are indications of failing in
leadership roles.
Therefore, we need
to put into consideration all these things once entrusted with leadership roles
lest the words of Mathew 18:6 “if anyone put the stumbling block before one
of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if great
millstone were fastened around your neck, and you were drowned in the depth of
the sea” catch up with us. We are then invited to follow the good example
which Saint Paul showed us when leading people. He did not become a burden to
any person. He rather made sure that the gospel message was passed to all
people so that their ministry remained blameless.
Gastor B Kimario
IV Year Theology
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