The abbot must, therefore, be aware that the shepherd will bear the blame wherever the father of the household finds that the sheep have yielded no profit. Still, if he has faithfully shepherded a restive and disobedient flock, always striving to cure their unhealthy ways, it will be otherwise: the shepherd will be acquitted at the Lord’s judgment. Then, like the Prophet, he may say to the Lord: I have not hidden your justice in my heart; I have proclaimed your truth and your salvation (Ps 39[40]:11), but they spurned and rejected me (Isa 1:2; Ezek 20:27). (RB80.2.7--9)
When I was young, I always fantasized about how things would be if I ever got a chance at leadership. To me, being the leader seemed exciting and fascinating. I had great desire for power and control even as a child (probably also a hidden desire to be bossy). I had solutions and opinions about world issues, school issues, family issues, even playground concerns. Things would be different if I were in charge.
Looking at today's passage from the Rule, though, I get a different impression of leadership. It is not about the power and prestige but about who gets the blame for how the group as a whole behaves. At Judgment Day, the leader will be evaluated according to how well the team listened and obeyed. If the superior did her best job at explaining the spiritual life and what was expected then the members are responsible for themselves in whether they obey or not. If, however, the leader was careless about his duties in showing others how to live then their failure will be the leader's fault. It makes leadership seem a little less glamourous but does call me to remember my share of responsibility for my actions.
As I travel through life, being a leader in small ways, I pray that I will be one that brings others closer to God and everlasting life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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