Leadership and Prayer

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to consider how we may be advancing our plans as disciples in a manner which is not in complete harmony with direction which is based in prayerful petition. The issue which Paul explores in the letter to the Galatians revolves around whether Gentile converts are required to follow practices which originate in the tradition of Jewish converts. Friar Jude Winkler drills down to the theological implications of Peter showing disbelief in the forgiveness of the sins of Gentiles by deciding not to eat with them. The primitive version of the Lord’s Prayer from the Gospel of Luke contains  praise as an act of recognition of the truth about God and, as Mark Latta and Friar Jude note, goes far beyond the distance at the rabbis of Jesus time held God. Friar Jude reminds us that the Apostle Paul was always working strategically to understand the consequences of his words and actions. Our understanding of the impetuous and less sophisticated nature of Peter is that he often spoke and acted without hesitation and forethought. Both approaches to leadership are in need of inspiration through intimate prayer contact with God to allow Providence to provide the content and timing of our action.