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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