Rigorous scrutiny of those in power. Today’s first reading at Mass contains a warning for those in power to rule justly, as God would.
The broader application
The opening verses of the passage warn those who rule over others to “hear” and “learn” as one who is guided by humility. Broadly, the warning also applies to those of us who are parents, teachers, employers and supervisors of any kind – who by virtue of our station in life exercise authority over others.
We are called to be just in dealing with others, guided by the Scriptures which reflect the heart of God. To that end, we need only look at Our Lord, who rules as the King of all the Kings.
A bridge building style
Reflecting on Jesus, we see a model of the proper exercise of authority. Jesus is not domineering but rather guides by empowering all of us to serve others in love as guided by mercy. How easy it is to simply say, “… because I said so,” yet that is not the call of a just ruler of other adults.
We must differentiate our guidance of others according to their status. God taught Israel in earlier times as a parent might teach his children. I recall that I mostly guided my children with “Thou shalt nots.” In rearing a child, prohibitive guidelines are generally oriented to their safety. “Don’t touch that, or you will get burned,” speaks appropriately to one who lacks a certain capacity to balance risks against rewards. The law at Sinai is illustrative of God’s model in educating His younger son, Israel, after the sojourn from Egypt into the promised land. God’s “Thou shall not” guidance was oriented towards preventing physical and spiritual harm to His people.
Jesus, without displacing an iota of the law, preaches His example for us who having been rightly reared by a loving Father, are now called to rule over others of similar age in a more adult environment. There, loving those to whom one has been entrusted, not only empowers them – but teaches them to also love others.
The divine warning for all of us entrusted with power over others.
“The powerful will be examined more strictly.” We are morally accountable to God especially when entrusted with the well being of others. While secular laws might provide immunity to some of a ruler’s acts, that privilege simply increases the moral accountability of governing actions. We see this also of teachers, who because of their disproportionate influence – the letter of James warns – they shall be judged more strictly. (James 3:1). Accountability!
The necessary tools for a ruler
• Saint Gregory the Great wrote that pastors and governors must tremble as they exercise authority over others, precisely because the souls entrusted to their care are precious in God’s eyes.
• Wisdom and Justice are inseparable for a ruler. King Solomon when he became a ruler, understood this principle when asking God for wisdom in ruling over Israel.
• Rule as God rules: with truth rather than validating error as misguided empathy; with mercy as one bound by the golden rule; and with love as one who seeks the best for others. Ultimately, seek to leave others better than you found them.
• Pray for patience – for not all those we might have authority over, are content with our status over them. Not all who rule like Christ will find acceptance and obedience, for if that was the case, Hell would be unnecessary.
• Finally, remain devoted to the Gospel rather than prideful of your privileged status.
A little late to the feast, but well satisfied. Thank you Jerry.