Christian Leaders
by Fr. Cornelius
Gospel of Mark
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. Mark 10 (42 – 45)
Worldly Leaders
Our world today is filled with power struggles and leadership styles that are devoid of service to the people. Power struggles have caused enormous sorrows, anguish and unimaginable hardships to the people.
Christian Leaders
It is against this scenario that Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of Mark, challenges each and every one of us in leadership positions with a unique dimension of leadership style.
Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all.” He went further to explain that, “the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
True Leadership
Could it suffice to say that Jesus is teaching us the true meaning of leadership? Could that be a leadership style that leads to true greatness?
I have no doubt to believe that Jesus is emphasising a leadership style devoid of selfishness, avarice and inordinate ambition. He wants me and you to understand that leadership entails service and love.
This is a very important appeal to all in leadership positions to make things easy for people entrusted into their care. They are to serve and lighten the burdens of all in their care. Jesus teaches us to be “meek and humble of heart, his yoke is easy and his burden light” (Matthew11:29-30)
Christ’s Example
In the same way, Jesus said, “If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you”. (John 13:14-15)
Leadership, from this perspective, deals with humility, sacrifice, patience, compassion and service to the people. Jesus teaches us that greatness can be achieved through humble service, love and fear of God.
Open our Hearts
This is the time for us beginning today to open our hearts to Christ allowing Him to change our attitudes of inordinate ambition, leadership struggles, avarice and selfishness, which will enable us to live in peace, love one another, to serve and entrust into our care all the people with more commitment and courage.