Reflection #3 for our upcoming series: Is Our Church Still Relevant Today?
In the rite of Baptism, these words are used as we are united with Christ.
“God now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.”
This reflection will focus on Christ’s role as king. What image comes to mind when you hear the word ‘king’? Is it a man dressed in royal robes? Is it a man wearing a gold crown? Is it a man who carries the persona of ruling his subjects?
When we speak of Christ as King, the role for which he was anointed was to be a leader of his people. What kind of leadership do you envision that he proclaimed and lived? Let’s delve into this concept which each of us received through Baptism.
Christ’s model for ruling was described as that of Servant Leadership. Christ came not to be served but to serve. (Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:28, John 13:1-17) When discerning what that style of leadership means for us today, I always envision Jesus washing the disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. His action was contrary to the culture of the day which defined a ‘servant’ as a ‘slave’ who was owned or controlled by someone else. His disciples protested when Jesus, the teacher, performed such a lowly task. But, as their teacher, the lesson he was giving them was to always serve the needs of others. A person cannot embrace the role of ‘leader’ unless he or she first serves.
What does that lesson mean for us? St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians writes, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord…”
When we were baptized, whether as an infant or adult, the role of ‘servant leader’ was conferred on each of us. We were entrusted with teaching our community how to fulfill this role, too. As a student of servant leadership for about 20 years, I have learned that there are certain skills which help each of us to do what Jesus commanded.
First and foremost, I think, is the skill of ‘listening.’ In order to know in what capacity we are to serve, we must open our ears to everything going on in the community. In doing so, I feel confident that you will discern a need that needs to be addressed.
Second, praying about how to meet the need will provide you with the skill of vision. All those initial questions running through your mind like, “Am I supposed to get involved?” or “What steps need to be taken in order to provide service to this person/persons?” or “Am I the right person for the job?” It is my belief that the Holy Spirit offers us the opportunity to act. It is our choice whether we do so or not.
Third is discernment. “For the Body to grow and flourish, the members must discern together what gifts to best employ, given particular situations and moments in history.” Ladislaw Orsy states that “baptismal leadership…(means) that Christian discipleship is a journey involving change and growth.” Sometimes chaos happens before change and growth. I do not use that term as we might usually define it as utter confusion or commotion. Instead, it is used here as a movement that allows persons or entities to grow and flourish.
Finally, seek the counsel of the priests or prophets of our time. Their input will be invaluable as they fulfill their Baptismal roles in providing guidance. All contribute to the Body of Christ when consciously serving our brothers and sisters over ourselves.
A prayer…
Lord, as we discern the meaning of our call to servant leadership, help us recognize the ways you seek to minister through our lives. Inspired by the knowledge of your abiding presence, may we have the courage to reach out and support one another, to stand firm in what is true, to decrease when others should increase, and to lead with vision and compassion, as faithful followers of Jesus, your Son. We make this prayer to you in His name. Amen.
These reflections are based upon the book Anointed for Mission by Stephen S. Wilbricht, CSC.