The vine-dresser in John 15 is not interested in branches with beautiful flowers but in those that bear fruits. The Church is the mystical body of Jesus Christ (Mysticum Corpus Iesu Christi), and it is ONLY Christ’s criteria for the mission that should govern everything we do. Every other thing is secondary.
Jesus is not interested in the number of our academic degrees or our grades at graduation; he is not interested in our wealth or talents, or awards, but in how our knowledge, wealth, and talents bear fruit in the lives of others.
Indeed, discussing priest or religious with the laity is a symptom of a toxic relationship in the rectory, presbyterium, or convent.
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.
Ignorance of one’s obligations and rights, the crisis of competence, and a poor relationship with God create the perfect mix for an unfriendly working environment, intractable conflicts, and the threat or decision to “deal with the other”.
Of course, we naturally want to protect our interests. A better disposition should be to pray that God blesses our intentions and promotes our interests. He knows how best to do it.
Unlike a conflict of competence, a crisis of competence is induced because of the ignorance of an officeholder or the lack or insufficient definition of duties by the office provider.
A mistake or omission by a priest or seminarian or layperson can put the entire diocese in difficulty. Therefore, if we are ignorant or in doubt, let us not be ashamed to always seek help because it is honourable and salvific to be diligent in ensuring the best for the faithful.
Curial offices exist to be the means for studying, planning, and suggesting ideas which the bishop ponders and weighs together with the presbyterial council and/or college of consultors and/or pastoral council.
“Happy are those who do not expect, for they shall not be disappointed” – Fr Anselm Ekhelar
