Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37
Back in the early 90’s when I was at the Kino Institute and beginning formation for the diaconate there was one slim text that we were given to study that proved to be foundational in the understanding of leadership. The text (less than 40 pages in length) is entitled simply The Servant as Leader, by Robert K. Greenleaf. Though not explicitly tied to Christian teaching, Greenleaf is clear that his notion of the true leader is first a servant. In my Air Force career I had gone to a series of professional leadership schools including Squadron Officer’s School, and Air Command and Staff College. Though these schools taught important aspects of being an effective leader, none taught in the revolutionary way that Jesus taught his apostles or Greenleaf espouses in his treatise on leadership.
For many, the idea of being the leader or manager brings with it the privilege of being served by one’s lieutenants as they support the boss’s agenda and advancing his position as they advance the institution. For this kind of leader, the idea that he is the one in servitude to others or the institution is unthinkable. This, of course, contradicts what Jesus taught when he responds to the rivalries of the apostles with, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” (Matthew 20: 25b-27) Jesus gave a powerful example of what it means to be a slave when he washed the feet of his disciples on the night he was betrayed. (John 13)
Today we face a crisis in leadership in both the Church and in the secular world. As a result, we often find ourselves in situations that do not resonate with our true propositions and founding principals. We have gone from a nation that was seen as the land of opportunity to the refugee, with liberty and justice for all, to a country that excludes migrants and harbors Nazis. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) Today the Church is coming to grips with thousands of children who have been preyed upon by priests and have had their lives made a living hell. Many of the hierarchy have betrayed the abuse victims’ trust by showing more concern for defending the institution than caring for those injured.
True, there are good servant leaders in both the world and in our Church; however, many have failed as leaders precisely because they lost sight that the role of servant comes first. Those who have been true servants now need to lead with greater vision and charity if our institutions are to survive. First, they need to listen with open hearts to the people they choose to care for and to respond to their needs as true servants. This means being with them and for them, to bind their wounds and weep with them. As Pope Francis has said, we need shepherds that smell like the sheep. We need national leaders who care for the refugees, the poor, and the sick. Not until we unite in meeting the needs of all persons in our nation can we be united as one nation under God.
Good shepherds also need to lay down their lives for the sheep when the wolf approaches. This means taking action against those leaders who have neglected their responsibilities. Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the flock of my pasture. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds.” (Jeremiah 23: 1-2) We cannot stand idly by when the meek and dispossessed are neglected and preyed upon. Those with a voice must speak for those without a voice. Those in power must use their power to defend the powerless among us. This is true in the Church and in society at large.
You must be logged in to post a comment.