“As we pray for those in positions of leadership and power, so too may we, in whatever role we find ourselves, lead a life of service.” Here’s our reflection from the Daily Mass.
BIBLE READINGS: You can find the readings for Friday in the fourth week of the year here
The famous quote, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” was written by the British historian Lord Acton in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887. It could be applied to many recent incidents reported in the news today. We don’t have to name names to reflect on the results of moral decline or corruption in some who have been given or taken power.
In the gospel reading, Herod has a mad desire to remain in a position of leadership. He doesn’t want anyone who can begin to unravel his power. He has John imprisoned. He fears John and knows that he is a righteous and holy man, but he eventually has him beheaded to impress the whim of his brother’s wife. Then, rumours begin to circulate about Jesus, and Herod is convinced that he is John the Baptist raised from the dead. His previous actions have come back to haunt him.
Whilst the majority of us don’t have such great power, many of us at times will find ourselves in a position of influence and authority—whether we are teachers, parents, priests, employers or managers, supervisors, church wardens or lay workers— they all carry responsibility and care for others. In the book of Sirach, King David is praised for his successes, but even he made mistakes, and turned to God in penitence. “The Lord took away his sins,” we are told.
As we pray for those in positions of leadership and power, so too may we, in whatever role we find ourselves, lead a life of service—taking the example of Jesus who came “not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mass today is at St Saviour’s Church at 10am
DAY BY DAY
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