In many ways we are experiencing a crisis of leadership in our country.
Politicians on both sides refuse to sit down with one another and work
toward reasonable compromise. In a matter of weeks, our government is
set to default unless a spending bill is passed, yet nothing seems to be
happening to avoid a self-made crisis, the ripples of which will have the
greatest impact on the poorest and most vulnerable.
The failure on the part of political and religious leaders is not new to our
age. This weekend, our gospel also speaks to a crisis of leadership, moral
leadership. Jesus has harsh words for those who say one thing and do
another. We hear Jesus say, “Therefore…do not follow their example. For
they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to
carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to
move them. All their works are performed to be seen.”
Those words are not reserved just for political and religious leaders. They
are also words of challenge for you and for me. Each of us has the
opportunity to exercise leadership in some form, whether it be at work, in
the community, or among our family and friends. The best way to lead is
by example, by the compassion and love we show others.
As we prepare to begin a new liturgical year, a good exercise for us is to
spend a few moments each day examining how we exercised leadership
that day. Did we practice what we preached? Did we live our gospel
values by showing compassion, forgiveness, and love? Did we encourage
and inspire others, or did we judge and criticize? As we review our actions,
let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us be our best selves as we continue our
journey of faith.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and
forevermore.
Fr. Harry