Americans hold
ambivalent opinions about leaders. While they readily applaud
good leaders, they are never quite certain how to identify
and certify good candidates for leadership.
Endorsements
by influential figures or organizations no longer seem to
carry much weight. Unfounded rumors and sensational reports
in tabloids seem to be more important.
Our Mediterranean ancestors in the Faith took a different view of leaders and
leadership.
For one, a legitimate leader had to be suitably “installed” as
leader. Today’s gospel narrative contains the major elements of a “vocation
commissioning” event, a literary form that is commonly used in the Bible
to authenticate different kinds of leaders.
Introduction. Confronting bewildered disciples in a
locked room, Jesus reassures them with a word (“Peace!”)
and a gesture (displays his pierced hands and side). He is
not a ghost but is alive, risen!
Commission. Jesus commissions the disciples after the
pattern of his own commissioning by the Father. The commission
is (1) formal (v. 21); (2) sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit
(v. 22); and (3) involves preaching repentance and forgiveness
of sins (v. 23).
In John’s Gospel, sin is the failure to believe in Jesus as the One the Father
has sent. Hence this commission is best interpreted as charging these new leaders
to bring new members into the community.
It differs from the traditional understanding
of forgiveness of sin in Matthew 18:19, which describes how the community deals
with the sinfulness of its present members.
In the gospel story line, Jesus established and strengthened his credibility
by winning every argument with his opponents. No matter how often people try
to trick him or trip him up, he comes out on top. His honorable reputation and
his credibility grows, and he is never shamed. . .
Until his death. Crucified just like and between two common criminals, Jesus
suddenly seems to be overcome by the deepest possible cultural shame . . . until
his resurrection.
Then it becomes clear that God is indeed pleased with this
beloved Son, for by raising him from the dead God has honored him far more than
any human accolades ever could.
All these ideas stand behind Jesus’ statement “As the Father has sent me,
so I send you.”
That these newly commissioned disciples would be gifted with a very powerful
spirit, the Holy Spirit (Jn 19:22), only guaranteed their efficaciousness.
Any
first- or second-century Mediterranean native who heard or read today’s gospel
verses would respect and accept these disciples as legitimate, honorable, and
effective ministers commissioned by none other than Jesus, who had received from
his Father the highest of honors: risen life.
Today’s Gospel challenges Americans to reconsider how they select and evaluate
leaders, both spiritual and secular.
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John
J. Pilch is a biblcal scholar and
facilitator of parish renewals.
Liturgical Press has published
fourteen books by Pilch exploring the
“cultural world” of the Bible.
Go to http://www.litpress.org/ to
find out more.
Copyright © 1997 by The Order of St.
Benedict, Inc., Collegeville, MN.
All rights reserved.
Used by permission from The
Liturgical Press, Collegeville,
Minnesota 56321
The complete text of the
above article can be found in:
The Cultural World of Jesus, Sunday by Sunday, Cycle C
John J. Pilch. The Liturgical Press. 1997. pp. 88-90.
Art by
Martin Erspamer, O.S.B.
from Religious Clip Art for the
Liturgical Year (A, B, and C).
Used by permission of Liturgy Training
Publications. This art may be reproduced
only by parishes who purchase the
collection in book or CD-ROM form. For
more information go to: http://www.ltp.org/
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