By Antony Jayaraj, CSC –
Readings: I Kgs 3: 4 -13; Mk 6:30-34
The liturgy of the word today disturbs and confronts me on the ground of an essential quality ‘Leadership’. The gospel presents the spiritual sensitivity of Jesus as he was aware of the needs of the people while letting go his primary agenda. The first reading describes the divine leadership of Solomon when he had asked the Lord to grant him necessary graces to govern and understand others while letting go his human leadership requirements.
An effective leadership is the talk of the town in India as it is facing a threat to the spirit of constitution. However, this fundamental question as to who is given prominence; the self or others, can serve as inspiration to those aspiring to be a leader. NRC, CAA and NPR are the result of a leadership that seems to be exclusively satisfying the self-interest and motives of a few while disregarding others.
It is not easy compromising our interests and needs for others. It really hurts. Once I asked my superiors for a vocal training; but I was put in charge of conducting vocation camp. When ‘Mutton Biriyani’, which was my favorite food, was served at the table, I had the chance to take as much as possible. Yet considering others behind me in the line is what makes me partake in the divine leadership. Forgoing self-interest for the benefit of others is painful yet it provides an opportunity to develop divine leadership in us. When everyone is regarded equal and fully satisfied while I am left with little, I stand as divine leader defeating all possible human leaders.