Our vocation is such that we are always first, called and then, sent. Two weeks ago, I argued that everyone is an enemy, whether we know about it or not. The readings for the Fifteenth Sunday of the Year – B (11 July 2021) are instructive.
The first reading was about Amaziah, who asked Amos to go away and prophesy in another place (Amos 7:12-15). Interestingly, Amos never knew that he was Amaziah’s enemy. He did not even decide to go to Bethel (where Amaziah ministered) of his own volition. God called him, sent him to Bethel, and he went. This was why Amos responded to Amaziah:
“I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos 7: 14-15).
As we carry out our ministry, it is easy to say we are Amos. But wait a moment. In context A, I may be Amos and in context B, I am Amaziah (even though, for some reason, I do not openly tell “Amos” to go away).
In the gospel of that Sunday, Jesus also called and sent the twelve in pairs. Since we are called, it means that it is the one who calls that chooses how to pair us. The bible did not tell us the pairs. Let’s imagine Peter and Judas were paired; Andrew and John; Bartholomew and Thomas, etc. Why were they successful in their mission, irrespective of their notable and even irreconcilable differences? They worked for the common good—carrying out the mandate of Christ (Mark 6:7-13).
We recall that Amaziah was a priest at Bethel (Amos 7:10) and Amos was a prophet. Therefore, they had different roles. For instance, Amos could not offer sacrifice exclusively reserved for priests. Thus, even if their duties overlapped, they could have comfortably worked together.
As God does not send a minister without a job description, so too the Church does not send someone without a job description. The duty could be to lead or to assist the leader. These two concepts are very clear.
A leader is to lead, and an assistant is to assist the leader. Whether it is an assistant trying to push over or outshine the leader, or a leader trying to suppress the assistant—none is being faithful to his duty.
I have argued that everybody is important. Yes, work together. An assistant may be better than a leader in more prominent talents or spiritual gifts. This should not make the assistant to denigrate the leader or disrespect him. Those gifts are to be used in line with the direction of the leader. A leader who is envious of an assistant so much so that he wants to suppress a gift that is useful for the Church is not being faithful to the mission of Christ. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs so that one supplies what the other lacks. No one has it all.
May God continue to help us.🙏🏾
K’ọdị🙋🏾♂️
“Why were they successful in their mission, irrespective of their notable and even irreconcilable differences? They worked for the common good—carrying out the mandate of Christ (Mark 6:7-13).”
Two things here: the power of agreement and how God uses foolish things to confound the wise. When there is a God agenda on the table, we must put our difference aside and focus on the greater work. Our agreement will please God and get the job done.
“An assistant may be better than a leader in more prominent talents or spiritual gifts. This should not make the assistant to denigrate the leader or disrespect him.”
Agreed. Just because an assistant may know more or be better equipped at that role does not mean it is the time or the place. Ability is not an indication of readiness. If people who believe they are called truly understood this, there would be less people operating in the wrong roles, or the right roles at the wrong time.
“Ability is not an indication of readiness”. This is apt. Thank you Nikki