Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the 17th week in ordinary time, 31 July 2023, memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest
Today's meditation has the theme: Leader Scandal. Scandal has a general meaning as mistake made by someone, which has an impact on the people around him. They also become guilty.
The scandal of a leader is actually the leader who is guilty, which causes members or subordinates to sin too. They can just follow the leader's movements, others may agree but remain silent, or others feel afraid and embarrassed so they hide and avoid to show up. So the scandal is an act of sin but the effects are far-reaching in all directions and the sin is felt and even borne by many.
The leader of a small life context, its scandal has little impact because of the small scope. The medium one, its impact is medium and the big scandal impact is of course broad and large. Civilian leaders who make scandals, the impact is felt in people's lives in society. Religious leaders who make scandals, the impact is felt in the religious institutions.
There are many examples of scandals and of course they cannot be described in this short reflection session. But just one example taken from today's reading of the scriptures is what happened to Aaron with the Israelites, when Moses was not with them. Aaron must be understood as a weak leader, so he was prone to make scandals. He was not firm in his faith like Moses, who whether it was hot or cold, day or night, only God's law was the direction and guide of his life.
Aaron's weakness was that he put God's law on the side or behind, then prioritized the cries of the people or society. Their stomachs demanded, their minds ere cunning, their hearts were hard, their will was tempted to run away from God, then this weak leader just agreed with them. In the end they all forgot God, then worshiped idols, by making statues of idols to worship them. This weak leader had to bear a serious sin, then followed by those who followed him.
Why are leaders weak? Why did he make a scandal? One important answer is because he lacks faith. He prays but only ceremonies and rituals as duties, then there is a reward, but there is no inspiration in his prayers. His faith is not rooted because it is only spoken in the mouth and limited to words. His faith is only in name and to be known, but he refuses to listen and work responsibly. Jesus reminds us of one thing today: make our faith like a mustard seed, then you will be strong, firm, loyal and effective. Let us pray especially for our leaders that they will be able to avoid any scandal in their duties.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... God of all mercy and good, bless us today so that we can live from moment to moment always putting Your laws first. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father...