DAILY MASS READINGS
usccb.org/nab/021908.shtml
Meditation
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=02&day=19&year=2008&x=10&y=6
How many times have you been turned off by political ads, talk shows, and news broadcasts? Programs like these can easily demoralize us, because their tone is often so negative. So much of the media seems bent on tearing down those in authority, particularly political and religious leaders who may or may not have done anything wrong. It can be very tempting to go along with them and say, “Everything stinks!” However, if we keep listening to them, eventually we find that we’re not very happy—and neither are those who listen to us.
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Jesus had a very different response to poor leadership
: “Do as they say, not as they do.” Contrary to what we might expect, he advised his followers to listen to the Pharisees and scribes. He had a profound respect for their office, simply because they were responsible for preaching the word of God and upholding the Law of Moses. Remember, he came to transform God’s law, not to get rid of it—not “the smallest letter nor the smallest part of a letter!” (Matthew 5:18).
By showing respect for those who would eventually crucify him, Jesus points the way that we need to go as his followers.
We should always respect our leaders for the authority they represent, whether or not they live up to our standards.
Of course, we can and should protest when they go against God’s law—but we can still recognize that God remains the ultimate source of their power.
St. Paul wrote, “Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1).
All this may seem like a contradiction, especially when Jesus told us he came “to bring not peace but the sword” (Matthew 10:34).*** However, consider the impact we can have when we show respect for our leaders and our government when everyone around us is busy condemning them! Instead of causing division, we encourage dialogue and unity.***
When we walk in humility and obedience, we can change the hearts of friends, neighbors, and even our leaders. It is possible that you can help bring them to the source of all authority, our loving Father!
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“Jesus, please guide our leaders to live according to your truth! Give them wisdom and courage to govern us with your spirit of compassion!”
