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| Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro |
FDR has always fascinated me, primarily because he shaped, to some extent, two defining times in American history: the Great Depression and World War II. He addressed immense challenges with vision, optimism, persistence and political savvy.
Today’s scripture readings bring us wisdom about life and leadership. The Book of Sirach advises we have to choose between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, life and death. The choices will be a path either to salvation or damnation. God ultimately leads. We pray for God's grace to do the right thing.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Christian community in Corinth, writes about true wisdom, that is, Jesus Christ. The risen Christ is the revelation of God to us. Look always to Jesus and let His life and ministry be a guide.
In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus describes what it means to be a disciple. Jesus employs four antitheses, opposites (“you have heard...but I say”). He emphasizes the importance of attitude over legalese. Our attitudes create our behaviors. If we have bad attitudes, we surely will behave badly.
Jesus gives examples, notably: “You have heard that it was said, you shall not murder; but I say to you: you shall not be angry.” Why? Because an attitude of anger or resentment can seethe into bad behavior. Discipleship with Jesus calls for a change of heart, a change of attitude, thinking and feeling positively, not negatively.
Jesus is our exemplar, our guide, of how to live well. Jesus challenges us to be a leader for others.
Jesus communicated purpose in ways that galvanized, energized and excited people. He generated trust which bound people together in their commitments. He inspired hope, with a clear vision of life in relationship with God forever. Jesus converted vision into action.
Matthew 23:10 advises, in so many words, that there is one messiah, one life-leader: Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to be guides and leaders in our own situations. Yes, to be called by God to influence others is an enormous privilege, but it carries with it great responsibility. We have to possess confidence and character. First and foremost, confidence in God. The psalmists had that. God was their shield, their strength, their guide. Second, the quality of our life and our soul’s destiny will be measured by our character.
Our prayer might be:
Lord, help me to live a life of integrity, authenticity, humility and focus. Help me to have a similar concern for others as Jesus had for us. Give me compassion towards those who are struggling with life's problems. Help me to fix my eyes on our true wisdom, Jesus Christ. Help us to become like Him for others: men and women of confidence and character.
