Please explain this to me?

[whatevergirl]

The following is an article I read today, as part of today’s daily reflections, for Lent. Could someone explain what the bolded sentence means, exactly? Is it wrong to think that the author is implying that there are many who become rich off of the word of God? (tv envangelists, etc.) Please explain…thank you.

The papacy is blest in our time to be free from ownership of vast properties and the scandal of the profits of human serfs. The papacy is blest today to be free from the political entanglements, armies and war paraphernalia that weighed it down in other eras. The papacy is blest with the authority and opportunity to speak on behalf of human rights and human dignity – but the effectiveness of that authority is realized by the exercise of compassion and humility of the office holder. It is a great moment of grace for the Church of our time that Pope Benedict XVI began his pontifical service with an Encyclical Letter on the Love of God. In the words of today’s first reading we must all pray lovingly for him and for all presbyters among us: that they witness to the sufferings of Christ, that they tend to the flock willingly and not for profit, and that they serve humbly, not lording it over those assigned. For ourselves we pray for the humility and good sense to obey the right exercise of leadership . . .so that the Kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.

 

[SuzieB]

It could be alluding to the prosperity gospel that alot of evangilicals preach i.e. Joel Osteen. But it is so vague its hard to say for sure. Here is a link to wikipedia that explains the gospel of prosperity. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith#Prosperity

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

From the context, I think the author has these two passages in mind,

Titus 1:7-9 (New International Version - UK)

7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless— not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self- controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

1 Timothy 3

1-7If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
8-13The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on. No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine. Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs. Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.

 

[Todd_Easton]

that they serve humbly, not lording it over those assigned.

This seems to be an allusion to Luke 22:24-26:

24A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Actually, I think the bolded sentence is from the letter of Peter. (Yesterday was the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, so I think it stuck in my mind. Yep, the first letter of St. Peter, chapter 5, verses 3-4 it appears).