During events like the one that brings us together today, I always have fun preparing the Eucharist by examining how the reading of the day fits into the celebration.
As I delved into the readings, I couldn’t help but chuckle. It felt as if the words were directed at Deo and all those preparing for their journeys:
“Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town, spend a year there doing business, and make profit…”
But hold on, Deo, this isn’t about you… In this brief passage, James, in his familiar direct language, speaks to a group he labels as “arrogant.”
He criticizes their arrogance in believing they can control their future and achieve success through their own plans without acknowledging the uncertainty of life and God’s ultimate authority.
One of our defining traits as Jesuits is our proactivity. Often, during our daily examen, we ponder over what we have done, what we have achieved. Look at Hekima, there’s always something stirring here! Yet, when we feel we haven’t ticked off everything on our agenda, we’re left disheartened. However, in the De Statu Societatis Jesu, Father General points out a tension we all face between being and doing. If doing can breed arrogance, the act of seeking first TO BE instills humility in us. In the face of the arrogance of doing, we must embrace the humility of being. Today, Saint James reminds us that our plans and our scholarly pursuits hold no significance unless they are grounded in God.
Frs. Deogratias Rwerauza and Emmanuel Foro, S.J. during the transition mass presided over by Fr. José Minaku Lukoli, S.J.
Now, let’s turn to the gospel. Here, the Lord’s message is for all of us, particularly Emmanuel Foro. Jesus is imparting a lesson on leadership. It’s a scene about power. The disciples are entrusted with a certain authority; they share certain privileges among themselves, which they guard closely. We can understand the suspicious glances they cast on those outside their inner circle who seem to wield the same power. The Lord’s response is a clear indication of the principle of subsidiarity, which mandates that everyone’s work be respected as long as we all contribute to the same mission of Our Lord.
With this response, Jesus emphasizes that those who do good in His name are not to be stopped, even if they are not part of the inner circle of disciples. Jesus’ response highlights the broader scope of God’s work being done through various individuals, not just those in a specific group. The mission of the Lord is more significant than us!
Jesus wants us to understand that being with Him and serving his mission is more important than your title and position in society. He encourages inclusivity and a focus on the common goal of spreading the good news and doing God’s mission. Being a leader today requires constant adoration, as Moses did when he took off his sandals in front of the burning bush.
So, as we conclude the year and make plans for the holidays and the next mission, let us listen to the voice of James calling us to humility, meaning putting things in the hands of our Lord. Likewise, let us listen to the Lord reminding us that the mission of our Lord is wider than us! Anything we do, any move we make, let put Jesus at the center. Amen.
Very Rev. Fr. José Minaku Lukoli, S.J.
JCAM President
