Spiritual Leadership

October 24: Friday of Week 29 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 12:54-59

Click here for the complete text of today’s readings.

What is Jesus saying to us as stewards of his kingship? 

(To support  Reaching Jesus: 5 Steps to a Fuller Life... Step Five).

Spiritual Leadership

“The people that longs to see your face” (Responsorial).

Jesus asks, ““Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?” Saint Paul was shocked that Christians would sue each other: “Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, but a believer goes to court against a believer—and before unbelievers at that?” (1Corinthians 6:5).

“In fact,” he said, “to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Or defrauded?” He is echoing Jesus: “If anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well: (Matthew 5:40). Paul is simply “urging us to live in a manner worthy of the call we have received.”

If these radical teachings are forgotten, or ignored, the laity are as much at fault as the clergy. We are all “stewards of the multi-faceted grace of God” (1Peter 4:10). We are all charged to “learn, live and give” the Good News as disciples and prophets; to know and make known the word of God, “bringing out of our storeroom what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52), like “the faithful and wise steward, whom the master set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time” (Luke 12:42).

All are equally responsible for preserving our Christian identity.

PRAY: “Lord, make us people who long to see your face!”

PRACTICE: Examine your priorities.