The most recent meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops contained several discussions of issues which I would hope would be of interest to all of us. As you probably know our Episcopal leaders meet twice a year. Their agenda is usually full. Often they are called upon to decide issues of a liturgical nature, canonical procedure, or moral teaching. Attending these deliberations is usually the apostolic nuncio to our country, the Pope’s representative to our government as well as to us. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, who presently occupies that spot, addressed the opening session with words that carried with them the collegial spirit of our Holy Father as well as an instructive word not only for our shepherds but applicable, I believe, to every Catholic. Reflecting back on a homily Benedict XVI gave during the ordination of five bishops. His Excellency noted three necessary qualities of a servant of God. “The first characteristic which the Lord requires of his servant is fidelity. He has been entrusted with a good that does not belong to him. The Church is not our Church but His Church, the Church of God. The servant must account for how he has managed the good that has been entrusted to him. We do not bind people to us; we do not seek power, prestige, or esteem for ourselves. We lead men and women toward Jesus Christ, hence toward the loving God. In doing so, we introduce them into truth and into freedom, which derives from truth. Fidelity is altruism and, in this very way, liberating for the minister himself and for all who are entrusted to him. We know how in civil society, and often also in the Church, things suffer because many people in whom responsibility has been conferred, work for themselves rather than for the community, for the common good. In Greek, the word ‘fidelity’ coincides with the word for ‘faith’. The fidelity of the servant of Jesus Christ also consists precisely in the fact that he does not attempt to adapt faith to the fashions of the times. Christ alone has the words of eternal life and we must bring that word to the people…There is nothing sterile or static about such fidelity; it is creative…Faith demands to be passed on; it was not given to us merely for ourselves, for the personal salvation of our own souls, but for others, for this world and for our time. We must bring faith into this world so that it may become in it a living force: in order to increase God’s presence in the world.” Though at first blush it might seem a special MUNUS (burden, responsibility, or task) of those who are our diocesan leaders further examination should assist us in recognizing what is an element of our baptismal commitment. The Holy Spirit has empowered us to go forth and witness to the creative power of God which has bestowed upon us every good gift. As members of the faith community we must further witness to the truth who is Jesus. This obligation is imposed on us as we act in our families and larger communities. Though perceived by some as “out of step” with contemporary values we must be practitioners of the eternal verities. “The second characteristic that Jesus asks of the servant is prudence. Prudence is something other than shrewdness. Prudence…is the first of the cardinal virtues…Prudence demands humble, disciplined, and watchful reason that does not let itself be blinded by prejudices; it does not judge according to desires and passions but rather seeks the truth even though it may prove uncomfortable. Prudence means searching for the truth and acting in conformity with it. The prudent servant is first and foremost a man of truth and a man of sincere reason…Let us not allow ourselves to be guided by what we see through the small window of our personal astuteness, but, rather, let us look at the world and at human beings through the large window that Christ has opened to us on the whole truth and thus recognize what truly counts in life.” Too often in the world today people permit themselves to be ruled by ego and seek advantage over others without regard to truth. Others use the excuse of “they need” or “:they want” to determine their goals and modes of operation. The establishment of proper priorities and the pursuit of good for others are certainly apt concentrations in this holy season. Unlike those of a secular mindset we must recognize the appropriation of absolute truth beyond individual perception and the universal obligation of adherence to its prescriptions. “The third characteristic of which Jesus speaks…is goodness…What is meant by the characteristic, of ‘goodness’ can become clear to us if we think of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man. This man had addressed Jesus calling him ‘Good teacher’ and was given the surprising answer: ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone’ (Mk 10:17f.). Only God is good in the full sense. He is the Good, the God par excellence. Goodness personified. In a creature, in man, being good is therefore necessarily based on a profound interior orientation towards God. Goodness increases in inner union with the living God. Goodness presupposes in particular a living communion with God who is Good, a growing inner union with him. And in fact, from whom else could one learn true goodness if not from the one who loved us to the end, to the very end (cf Jn 13:1). We become good servants through our living relationship with Jesus Christ. Only if our life is lived in dialogue with Him; only if his being, his characteristics, enter into us and shape us, can we become truly good servants.” What a source of consolation! Centuries of philosophers have sought to explain good on a purely natural basis. Moralists have used many methodologies to try to compose an ethic which would mesmerize human kind. Psychologists have attempted to devise systems by which individuals would overcome their weaknesses, addictions, evil inclinations. The believer recognizes the effects of original sin as well as the redemptive relationship offered to us by Jesus Christ. Our struggle to overcome natural inclinations is promised success by the intimacy of grace. We are not left to our own devices when we pursue virtue. Our prayer, both personal and public, unites us to the source of holiness. The privilege which once belongs to man of “walking with God” is now ours as we encounter Christ in His Word, Sacrament, and Community.

Next week, we will focus on the substance of our Bishops’ deliberations. May Emmanuel guide us in our spiritual preparation.

Vivat Jesus,

Fr. Brian