Homilies about leadership

Why We Call Priests 'Father': Service, Not Status

The homily addresses the Gospel reading where Jesus tells his disciples not to call anyone 'father' on earth. The priest clarifies that Jesus is not banning the word but correcting the heart's pride, emphasizing that titles like 'father' for priests represent spiritual fatherhood and service, not status. He extends this to all forms of leadership and influence, urging humility and service over seeking recognition.

The Christian Call to Service: Authority in the Church vs. the World

The homily contrasts worldly leadership, exemplified by the Soviet Union's micromanaging bureaucracy, with the Christian understanding of authority as loving service. Drawing from the Gospel, the priest emphasizes that those in leadership within the Church, especially clergy, are called to serve others humbly, following Christ's example of giving his life as a ransom for many.

The True Meaning of Greatness: Why We Serve, Not Rule

The homily reflects on Bishop Ronald Hicks's repeated declaration of "I love Jesus" as a model for leadership and service. It contrasts this with the disciples' tone-deaf request for positions of power, emphasizing that true greatness in Christ's kingdom comes through humility and service, not self-exaltation, drawing parallels to Mary's Magnificat.

The Danger of Seeking Honor: Why Humility is True Leadership

The homily emphasizes the importance of humility and being teachable, drawing from the Gospel where the mother of Zebedee's sons asks for places of honor. It cautions against seeking power or flattery, reminding listeners that true leadership and discipleship involve service and not counting the cost, ultimately giving praise to God and those who helped us along the way.

True Authority: Serving, Not Dominating

The homily reflects on the true meaning of authority, contrasting the worldly view of power and control with the Christian understanding of authority as service and humility, exemplified by Christ on the cross. It emphasizes that true authority comes from faithfulness to God and is exercised within the community, not individually, and calls for leaders to serve rather than dominate, mirroring Christ's example of washing the disciples' feet.

The Humility God Asks of Leaders (and All of Us)

The homily emphasizes the importance of humility, drawing from the day's readings which criticize leaders who preach but do not practice, and who seek honor rather than serving. It reminds us that while we are all God's children and recipients of grace, ultimate praise and thanks belong to God, who governs us and the world.

The Cost of Truth and the Power of Servant Leadership

This homily connects the experiences of Jeremiah and Jesus, highlighting the cost of speaking truth and the proper method of exercising authority through servant leadership. It challenges listeners to embrace truth and real freedom, especially during the Lenten season, to combat human tendencies towards oppression and selfishness.

Why True Leadership Means Being a Servant

Father Brendan

The homily challenges the worldly understanding of leadership as being 'number one' and instead emphasizes Jesus' counter-cultural model of servant leadership. Drawing on the Gospel reading, the priest encourages listeners, especially children, to choose humility and service, putting others first in everyday actions, rather than seeking personal prestige or power. True leadership, he argues, is found in giving oneself away for others.

True Greatness: Serving Others, Not Seeking Recognition

The homily emphasizes that true greatness, in God's eyes, comes from serving others, not from seeking recognition or status. It contrasts the world's pursuit of honor with Jesus's example of humble service, culminating in his sacrifice on the cross. The speaker uses an anecdote about an airline CEO to illustrate leadership through service.

True Greatness: Serving Like Christ, Not Seeking Power

The homily contrasts Jeremiah's rejection for speaking God's truth with the disciples' self-serving ambition, despite Jesus foretelling his suffering. It emphasizes that true greatness in the Church and in life comes from humble service, not power, and calls the community to support parish staff and leaders with patience and collaboration, recognizing their unseen work.

Leadership Through Service: A Lenten Reflection

The homily emphasizes the importance of avoiding plotting evil against others and focusing on one's own God-given assignment. It also highlights Jesus' teaching on leadership through service, contrasting it with worldly power structures, and encourages appreciation for those who serve.

The Gospel of Servant Leadership: Why Serving Others Makes You Great

Father Paul

The homily challenges the common understanding of authority, contrasting worldly power with Christ's call to servant leadership. It emphasizes that true greatness comes from serving others, not from being served, and applies this principle to various aspects of life, from family and business to national policy and the Church itself.

Jesus' Teaching on Servant Leadership: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders

The homily discusses the concept of servant leadership, drawing from the Gospel reading where Jesus teaches his disciples about serving rather than being served. It connects this ancient teaching to modern leadership principles, specifically referencing Dr. Robert Greenleaf's research and the ongoing work of the Greenleaf Center at Seton Hall University in promoting servant leadership in the corporate world.

Jesus on True Leadership: Humility and Service

This homily focuses on Jesus' teachings regarding spiritual leadership, emphasizing integrity, humility, and radical equality among his followers. It contrasts Jesus' approach with that of the scribes and Pharisees, who were seen as imposing heavy burdens without offering help, highlighting Jesus as a servant leader who came to give his life as a ransom.

True Leadership: Serving, Not Sitting

The homily challenges the congregation, particularly the students, to reflect on what kind of leaders they want to be, emphasizing service and sacrifice over seeking status. Drawing from the Gospel, it highlights Jesus' call to serve and even suffer, using the example of Sister Dorothy Stang who died serving the poor in El Salvador, to illustrate the demanding nature of true Christian leadership.

True Leadership: Why Jesus Calls Us to Serve, Not to Rule

The homily reflects on the Gospel passage where James and John, through their mother, seek positions of power in Jesus' kingdom. The priest emphasizes that true leadership in Christ's church is about humble, selfless service, mirroring Jesus' own mission to serve and give his life as a ransom, and Mary's example as the handmaid of the Lord.

When You're Misunderstood: Lessons from Jeremiah and Jesus

The homily explores the theme of being misunderstood, drawing parallels between Jeremiah and Jesus. It emphasizes that true leadership is about service and empowering others, not power. The core message encourages prayer when misunderstood and finding opportunities to gently explain one's true intentions, rather than remaining silent.