Servants of Christ, Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.

-Romans 13:1

I'm grateful for the celebration of Presidents' Day and the day off that it affords for many - though not all - of Americans. And, I'm taking advantage of the day to pray for the leaders of our country, that they would lead in ways that promote peace, justice, and charity.

Similarly, this day provides a chance to pray for leaders in all capacities that we would also lead in ways that honor our God - building the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

But, ever since coming across a reflection about leadership in 2021 in which I learned that Jesus never asked anyone to lead, I've reimagined my approach to leadership.

Simply, I've tried to serve instead of focusing on leading. In moments where I feel that my ministry runs into roadblocks, I ask myself how can I better serve God and those around me. I recognize that any leadership position or responsibility that I have has been entrusted to me by God. Instead of being in charge, I'm a steward, meant to faithfully use the gifts and resources given to me in ways that leave this part of the vineyard in which I work better when I leave it.

As we imitate Jesus Christ in all things, our leadership roles should be used to point others to Him. Our leadership should encourage others to follow Him. Rooted in service, our ministries as leaders should focus on doing the most good for the most people within our communities.

In other words, our leadership should stem from an orientation of service, laying ourselves down for the good of others. Like St. Paul told the Corinthians, "Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1).

The Curiosity of Wonder

 In yesterday's Gospel, Jesus reprimands the Pharisees (and us):

"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition...You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things." (Mark 7:6-8, 13)

As I read through these words, this message convicted me. How often do I follow my own interpretation of Jesus's teachings, clinging to my ways, and my routines, my practices - my traditions? In what ways do I nullify the Word of God - Jesus - through my stubbornness and pride, honoring Him with my lips but denying Him by my lifestyle?

No one of us has fully realized the truth of all things. As seekers, we see in part, we wander, we misinterpret, we stumble, we fail.

We hold fast to the fences in our lives, without even knowing the purpose(s) for which they were built (G.K. Chesterton). 

Instead of being curious, we approach the world judgmentally (Ted Lasso).   

Instead of imitating Christ, we idolize and brandish our names, images, and likenesses. 

What if today, we approached the world with wonder? What if we asked more questions than we answered, humbly recognizing and accepting our limitless limitations? What if we acknowledged that despite the number of truths we've attained, many more stand beyond our capacities, allowing us to join with others on this never-ending pursuit?

Ask why the fence was built in the first place. 

Invite others to "say more" allowing you (and them) to journey on this search for truth. 

Be curious - why do you feel that way, tell me more, what are you talking about, what sorts of things, how does this work, what am I not seeing, how else might we do this, what are you looking for?

And as we do this, with the curiosity of wonder, may we listen to and follow the words of Christ, "Come, and you will see" (John 1:39).     

Catholic Schools Week, Part 3

The Difference

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

-Matthew 5:14-16

Dr. Steve Cheeseman, President of the National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA), visited the Diocese of Cleveland last week as a part of his Bright Lights Tour, starting his day as the keynote speaker at St. Ambrose Catholic School's Community Appreciation Breakfast.

His main point: Catholic schools make THE difference.

He doubled down on acknowledging that Catholic schools don't just make A difference, as if the impact our schools have compares to factors like nutrition, sleep, socio-economic status, or parental education levels.

Instead, Dr. Cheeseman reinforced the claim that Catholic schools make THE difference.

He noted that research validates this argument. Catholic school students scored higher than public and other private school peers on the NAEP, STAR, and iReady assessments, regardless of demographics.

Catholic school students were 27% less likely to report depression while also displaying fewer signs of depression than their peers from other educational institutions. Dr. Cheeseman acknowledged that part of the reason for this stemmed from Catholic school students reporting a higher number of caring adults in their lives than non-Catholic school peer groups.

As one more indicator of THE difference made by Catholic schools, Dr. Cheeseman noted that students who attended a Catholic elementary school were 29% more likely to attend Mass as adults than peers who did not go to a Catholic elementary school. Students who attend Catholic elementary and high school have a 34% higher likelihood of attending Mass regularly as adults than those who did not have the blessing of attending K-12 Catholic schools.

Furthermore, students from Catholic schools demonstrate higher percentages of considering and entering the priesthood or religious life.

In the end, Dr. Cheeseman, in describing the charism of Catholic schools, recognized that Jesus Christ stands as the common Core across all Catholic schools, where we believe - like Jesus does - that every student is made in the image and likeness of God. Using our Catholic faith as the marinade for the Catholic education offered at our schools, Catholic schools make THE difference in our world not replicated by any other group, program, or approach.

The light of our Catholic schools is bright. In the words of Lance Izumi, "While the education landscape in America is darkened with so much bad news, there is a bright spot when it comes to student achievement—the nation’s Catholic schools."

Don't hide this under a bushel basket. Set this truth high upon the hills of our schools so that the bright lights of our Catholic schools will shine before others, giving glory to God.

Catholic schools, let your lights shine. 

Let it shine. 

Let it shine.

Let it shine!