Great Leaders are Prayer Warriors.

Homily for August 1, 2017


When we talk about leadership, our minds often go quickly to people in high positions of authority such as the President, Governors, Senators etc. but the fact is we are all leaders.

Leadership is not a matter of titles but a matter of influence.

In the parable of the weeds among the wheat, we can see that there are different kinds of people in the world. The good seed represents those of us who believe in God and are children of the kingdom while the weeds represent the children of the world who love to perpetuate evil.

As much as we live side by side with evil doers, we are supposed to be leaders in our own little ways. Each time we stand up for what is right rather than simply joining the crowd, we are being great leaders.

But often times, we are too timid, too shy and too afraid to stand up for the values we believe in; we allow the weeds take over while the wheat in us suffers.

Leading others is not easy. Sometimes, like Moses, you may find yourself alone against the crowd. Moses was just one man yet as one man, he was able to bring an entire nation to repentance from their idolatry.

Upon returning from the mountain with the stone tablets, Moses could have decided to keep his mouth in timidity since the crowd outnumbered him. He could have given in to pressure like the weak Aaron who fashioned a golden calf for them. But then, Moses stood his ground, he stood for what was right even if it was not popular.

Moses did not believe in the dictum: “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Instead, he beat them until all them turned around to join him. This is leadership. It is swimming against the tide, against the current and eventually changing the current itself.

Yes, leadership is not easy but there is secret key to successful leadership. It is PRAYER. Great leaders are prayer warriors. As a man, Moses was very weak, he lacked physical strength having passed his youthful age. But the success of his leadership prowess came from his constant meetings with God.

Every good leader must have a tent of meeting with God. Every good leader must have the habit of going up to the mountain to consult with God. If we must lead others, let us know that Leadership involves power and power comes only from God.

If we are not in tune with God by daily prayer, adoration, visitation to the Blessed Sacrament, we are basically powerless. Without God in our lives, the weeds could suck up our nutrients and we who are wheat produce poor harvest.

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Alphonsus Maria de’Ligori, the founder of the Order of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). He was an Italian Catholic Bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher and theologian. He was born on 27th of September, 1696 and died on this day 1st of August, 1787 at Pagini, in Italy.

Amongst his favourite quotes include: Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends. Your God is ever beside you - indeed, He is even within you.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, equip me each day to be a better leader. Amen. St. Alphonsus, Pray for us.

Happy New Month. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time. Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori. Bible Study: Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5B-9, 28 and Matthew 13:36-43). 

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