Wednesday of the 12th
Week in Ordinary Time
June 25, 2014 8:30am
One of our current Catholic
writers cites three traits for good ministers.
These are characteristics needed
in priests and all those doing ministry for the Church and in the name of
Jesus.
First, they lead us to more
charity.
So, even in the face of some evil
or wrongdoing, they do not just condemn darkness and put down those perceived
as being responsible for it.
Instead, they lead us to charity
– to respect for others no matter what and to lifting up the good.
Second, true spiritual leaders lead
us to Jesus.
They do not draw attention to
themselves especially in a self-righteous way.
Instead, they lead us to the
words and ways of Jesus in a humble way, recognizing that they and all of us are
imperfect and in need to keep growing to be more like Jesus.
And third, true spiritual leaders
lead us to service of others.
They do not focus just on words
and statements of faith.
Instead, they lead us to care for
those in need and to compassion for those who are hurting.
Today, Jesus cautions us about
false prophets.
The word prophet means a spiritual
or religious leader.
If we look at the qualities needed
in a true and good spiritual leader – leading us to charity, to Jesus and to
service – that will help us to discern the quality of spiritual ministry and or
religious leadership and to stay on a holy and healthy path.
