30 September 2019
Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
The gospel for today recalls an argument that broke out among the apostles concerning who was the greatest. No doubt, a conversation which began civilly took on some heat when those among the followers of Christ began to argue who exhibited the esteemed characteristics we associate with leadership. Jesus once again takes the apostles aside and reminds them that they need to look at things in a different way. Children in Mediterranean society are completely dependent on their elders and certainly are not looked to for leadership qualities. Jesus reminds his disciples that the key to Christian leadership is obedience to the will of God, not our own wills. Certainly, gifts are given that assist persons in leading themselves and others to this end, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians verse 12. These gifts, however, are not made for the elevation of the person, but rather are focused on what Ignatius constantly identified as the Greater Glory and Honor of God. Giving glory to that same God, as Jesus noted, finds itself in care for what God created in His image and likeness, our fellow men and women. The pages of history have stories writ large about great leaders who directed thousands, rallied resources, and led civilizations. The fact that these leaders led so many into disaster serves as a lesson that attention must be paid not so much to a leader and his or her skills but rather on the direction the leader is moving.