Leadership in Life and Death

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary give a view of leadership which both agrees and conflicts with modern understanding. The death of the patriarch Jacob is recalled in the Book of Genesis. The brothers of Joseph fear retribution from the leader, Joseph, now that the protection of their father is gone. The forgiveness of Joseph is more a thanksgiving that the trials endured at the hands of his brothers fulfilled the will of God to preserve many people from famine by refuge in Egypt. Joseph maintains the good will towards his brother’s families as he continues to trust in Providence to be the real leader of the people. The psalmist reminds the people to maintain praise for God as the steadfast love for the descendants of Jacob recognizes them as those chosen to lead the world to a greater understanding of the Divine. The Gospel of Matthew states an anticipated truth that the disciple is not greater than the leader. The great difference in the Leadership modelled by Jesus is that it is based on truth which is revealed to all. The leader does not hold secret power. The anger and persecution of the leaders of the world will also be real and intense. The attack on the soul, the intimate relationship with the Divine through the indwelling Spirit, is to be feared. Those who struggle to maintain this relationship have the acknowledgement of their action before God. They will overcome.