Hollow Authority

Gospel: Matthew 23: 1-12

Clerics and hierarchs are always quick to cite their institutional authority and to revel in the fineries of the religious garb associated with their offices.  Yet, the willingness to serve the needs of others - the very hallmark of being a follower of the Lord Jesus - is found wanting in these officials.  It is for this reason that Jesus - and the Gospel writer - provides these admonitions on authority and service for followers in every time and place.

Religious leaders who are not committed to serving others in humility and who are enamored of power and prestige drive people away from the practice of religion.  They fail to see that the only authority that matters is moral authority - that institutional authority devoid of ethical authenticity and integrity is hollow and of no value.  And so people walk away from the practice of institutional religion.  Its rituals lack meaning and efficacy in such an environment.

Yet, people continue to long for the community and spiritual nourishment religion once provided.  People desperately want and need the support of loving communities and places where they can develop their spiritual life in freedom.  Lent is the time for creating such communities, setting aside notions of institutional authority and power and instead serving others in mutual love and mercy.