The Challenge of Christian Leadership

WORD 2day: Friday after Ascension 

May 26, 2023: Acts 25: 13b-21; John 21: 15-19

Jesus seems to be preparing the second level of leadership. Peter he had appointed already before he goes and Paul he seems to be taking to the all the ends of the earth that he may bear witness, true to his promises. We find in this phenomenon, a very important insight that Jesus offers into Christian leadership; it does not consist in power and position but in bearing witness and serving the community of faith. 

Infact, from a Christian leadership perspective, every baptised person is called to play a role as a leader: in witnessing and serving! When Pope Francis speaks of the "Missionary Church" or the "Church that goes forth", we see this perspective underscored with clarity and challenge.

Today looking at our communities, be it parish communities where the laity wish to scheme their way to positions of honour and fame, or the members of the religious congregations or the clergy playing dirty politics and divisive games for their selfish motives... true understanding of Christian leadership seems to have taken a back seat. 

The Gospel Acclamation reminds us today that the Spirit will teach us the truth and all the truth. May the Spirit of the Lord rekindle our faith and lead us towards true sense of Christian leadership.