Gospel Reflections for August 27 2017
Lessons in leadership
Today’s Gospel story about St. Peter is just one of the reasons we have a Pope. At a time when much attention is focused on political leaders all over the world, these verses offer a different way of looking at leadership.
Jesus speaks to Peter near the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi; built on a huge hill near a towering rock cliff. It gave the ancient city the appearance of invincibility and magnificence. As Jesus spoke, I am sure the other Apostles noticed it, especially as Jesus referred to Peter as “The Rock upon whom I will build my Church.” From their experience, Peter was anything but a “rock!” He was often mistaken, quick-tempered, and impulsive.
Jesus chose leaders of His Church not to showcase their special human talents, but to reveal the grace of God. Pope John Paul II continued in office for years even during his incapacitating illness. His faithfulness revealed the strength of God, certainly not his own abilities.
This is different kind of leadership. When Bishops gather to elect a new Pope, they take a very solemn and serious oath to use their vote only for that candidate they sincerely believe is the choice of the Holy Spirit. They promise to put aside their own preferences and pray only for the choice that expresses the will of God. That is a profoundly humble thing to do.
It is not a bad way to look at all the choices we make every day as well. Like Peter, I can jump to conclusions about what is a good thing to do or what to do during the day. Perhaps a little more prayer about what decision, choice, or schedule would reflect the will of God is the better way to go. It is still humbling to put aside our preferences.
However, even just a brief look at history reveals the incredible miracle that the Church is still here with its leadership style intact, given some of the leaders we have had. No other institution can make that claim. Perhaps Jesus knew what He was doing beside that large rock in Caesarea Philippi. We have had our share of good and bad Church leaders and Church members too. Yet, from the very beginning, Jesus placed all of our focus on His grace, His strength, and what God can accomplish through us, which has endured for over 2000 years all over the world.
God Bless
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you for your enlightening synopsis. I never thought of the Bishops as “putting aside their own preferences,” during those trying times when electing a new Pope.
The very need for prayer is beautiful and humbling at the same time.
Take care and God bless.
Kathleen
Yes, each Cardinal actually states a promise in a prayer just before voting to set aside any preferences and to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Fathier Dave,
Beautiful interpretation as always!!! Love the idea that our precious God of love placed all of our focus on His grace, His strength and what He could accomplish through us!!! Loveeeeeee it and we must radiate those wishes with beautiful precious prayer and love to our world!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our God!!! Love our precious faith!!! and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you and all the precious Priests leading us to Heaven!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Yes, let God guide you always.
What a beautiful mosaic showing Peter receiving the “Keys of the Kingdom”! We know, of course, that there is not really a “Pearly Gate” into which the keys fit, Peter standing there with the keys to let us in if he allows it.
But spiritual reality is so hard to wrap our heads around, that we need something physical to describe it. And the artists, such as in your mosaic, are so good at that. Thank you so much for your inspiring articles.
You are very welcome!
Thank you, Fr. Dave, for showing us what leadership looks like
and for inspiring us to carry on the mission of Jesus here on earth!
In this world of turmoil are we listening more to ourselves and others,
or is it that voice within us that prevails?
The Lord is our hope and our salvation!
How great it would be if all world leaders followed this Gospel!
I like what you said about choices. talking about this today at a mee3ting that every day we need to seek the Lord first in all situations. G3etting rid of the future. The situation requires us to not look at the3 distractyions. W3e need all of God’s strength to et there
Yes, and God has promised His strength to us always.
Excellent reflection with great clarity. To me, it is also a reminder that one needs to support and pray for Pope Francis no matter what our own personal thoughts about his leadership are. Since this Pope, by the Holy Spirit, is God’s will, all people of faith should respect and honor him as he leads the Holy Church.
Fortunately, we pray for the pope at every mass.
Hello Fr. Dave, we follow you every week and every once in awhile we like to comment. Your Homily this week is so on point and we heard the message! God Bless you and your ministry.
Patti and Larry
Thank you!
Personally, Peter was a man after my own heart. I don’t know why, but I just love that guy. It took a man like him to be the leader after all the persecution they went through. It took someone like him to stand up for what we believe.
I compare what was going on to what is happening to the Church today. They are coming against Christianity in a big way and I believe that we need to firmly stand up for truth and not worry about what people think as much as what does God think….
It is not a Republican or Democratic issue but a faith issue and Christians need to pull together to say enough is enough. There are those that feed on divion and want to keep people distracted by that division and we must put it all aside and come together in faith. If we are called by Christ are we really going to say I believe in abortion or homosexuality is ok? I don’t think so. This is a real test of our faith these days and I pray for strength in the body of Christ.
You will have all the strength you need for the asking!