In a recent class session, my graduate students and I had a spirited discussion about power in relationship to conflict. Naturally our discussion started with formal authority and positional power, but we also explored a variety of forms of power such as assigning a perception of power, being a nuisance and exerting moral authority. We acknowledged that in moments of feeling hopeless about world, regional and local challenges, we can reclaim our agency by looking at multiple forms of power through this new lens.
Today is the Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. That recent class session on power came to mind as I learned more about him. In his preaching and public speaking, he would condemn the abuse of authority of both church and political leaders. Chrysostom means “golden mouth” and learning about how Saint John Chrysostom used his talent of public speaking to spread the good word is inspirational.
In today’s first reading Timothy picks up that mantle of spreading the word. He claims his own sinfulness and celebrates the mercy of Jesus Christ as an encouragement for all to come to believe in everlasting life. While we need to honestly hold ourselves accountable for our sins, we also have the responsibility to remember our good and gracious God loves us.
We need that encouragement from Timothy as we read today’s Gospel from Luke in which Jesus admonishes the disciples by asking: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ but not do what I command?” I can hear Jesus’s frustration in these words. He reminds the disciples that from the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. There are many examples of current day “all talk, no action” such as a company with an expensive display of the mission statement yet the lofty mission is not expressed throughout the company decisions. Our “attention economy” gives us so many memes and latitudes which may be well intended, but do not lead to bearing good fruit through action. Several years ago, a mentor taught me that if we really wanted to know a person’s values, we simply need to look at their calendar and checkbook (now probably venmo transactions) rather than listen to their proclamations.
Today I pray for the grace to not be paralyzed by the false perception of another’s power. And I ask for the clarity and strength to both listen to and act upon the words of Jesus. I strive to be a person with goodness in my heart who produces good. This is power we can celebrate.
Mary Lee Brock
Here at Creighton University, I serve as the Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program and as an Assistant Professor in the Heider College of Business. The mission of the NCR program is to prepare agents of social change to engage and resolve conflict effectively, efficiently and humanely. As a conflict engagement educator, facilitator and conflict coach, I encourage individuals and groups to develop conflict competency essential to personal, professional and community growth.
Being in community with others is where my faith grows and where I am encouraged to love and serve others. My life is blessed with a loving family, loyal friends and the occasional rough patch to keep it real. The online ministry community is rich, far flung faith sharing community of which I am honored to be a member.
