Those Who Lead Should Be Humble

Today’s Epistle selection is from Peter’s first letter.  It is a good guide to those who are called to be pastors:

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power for ever and ever.  Amen.

Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you, and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (1 Pet. 5: 1-14).

Those who are charged with leading the Christian community should do so with humility, and as examples of those in their care.  What is “humility”?  St. Thomas Aquinas defines “humility” in this way:  it consists in keeping oneself within one's own bounds, not reaching out to things above one.  Another way of putting is that you have to know your strengths and limitations.  Those who are called to lead the community of faith must do so knowing their strengths and limitations.  That is good counsel to everyone.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for those whom You have called to care for your flock, that they may by  following Christ’s example and the teaching of his holy life, we may by your grace grow into the stature of the fullness of the Good Shepherd, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sharing Your Faith Dinners this Thursday, 26 April at 6 p.m.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550