Ministry and Ambition

August 23: Saturday of Week 20 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Ezekiel 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14; Matthew 23:1-12

Thoughts to help us surrender to Jesus expressing himself through us in ministry.

Ministry and Ambition

“Kindness and truth shall meet… glory dwelling in our land.” Psalm 85:9-0

In every generation we see “scribes and Pharisees” taking the “seats of power.” That is natural: those who love power do what works to get it. What traditionally works is robotic obedience to rules, supportive subservience to anyone in authority, and flying flags of loyalty to everything pretentious in the Church. Legalism, clericalism, triumphalism.

Until Pope Francis. His instructions are that candidates for bishop should be “pastors close to the people, fathers and brothers, gentle, patient and merciful; animated by 1. inner poverty [humility vs. clericalism], 2. the freedom of the Lord [vs. slavish legalism], and 3. outward simplicity and austerity of life [vs. triumphalism]. They must not have the psychology of ‘Princes’ and must not ambitious, or want to be bishops.” They must see themselves as “married” to their diocese, and not covet a bigger, more prestigious one (to Apostolic Nuncios, June 21, 2013).

Everything above applies to everyone in ministry, both laypersons and clerics. And “ministry” includes every interaction with people that aims at helping everyone grow to the fullness of divine life—that is, every interaction that is authentically Christian.

Authentic ministers speak as fellow disciples, not “experts.” They interpret and apply laws through deep, prayerful knowledge of the heart of Christ. They never want to be treated with special respect because of their title or position.

PRAY: “Lord, give me a servant’s heart.”

PRACTICE: Serve Christ by serving others as Christ.