YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (1)

YEAR A: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY THEME: LEADING BY EXAMPLE

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY: (1Pt.5:1-4) Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s readings, feast of the Chair of Peter, the leadership of the Church is presented. Peter gives a description of how presbyters should be to their flocks. They should serve with willingness and eagerness. Witnessing is very important for their flocks. In the Gospel, Peter is designated as the leader of the Church. Baptized as a rock, the faith which Jesus gave will rest on him.

As shepherds of the flock, giving an example is of prime importance. Live what is preached and believed. The leader must spearhead the testimony to the faith.

Jesus formed His apostles in word and deed. There will be trials and tribulations. He gave a perfect example of Himself in dealing with the lure of the world. If needed, death must also be embraced. The cause or faith does not stop in the leader. The leader leads the flock to the goal. That role had been given to the Church through the apostles.

We, basically, look for models. We want our models to lead the way. At the same time, we are empowered. Leaders should know that they are limited. Jesus gave us a rock in Peter. Peter was formed and prepared by Jesus. Peter had his weaknesses yet Jesus chose him. It gives the message that in Church leadership is dependent on the divine. God will work through Peter. The combination of Peter’s faith and God’s grace is ideal for leaders in the Church.

Do we trust the leaders ordained by God? Do we cooperate with them? Do we care for them authentically? Do we follow the good examples they show? God had designated leaders. He had His reasons for doing so. It is to our best interest that we try to follow Him.