In the Gospel, a centurion approaches Jesus with the request to heal his servant.  The centurion is a man who is simultaneously a leader and one who is led:  something we can all relate to.  The centurion said to   Jesus, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.  For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me; and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, "Do this,' and he does it" (Matthew 8:8,9).  The centurion believed in the power of Jesus' "word" to effect healing, just like his own word commanded action from his soldiers.  Jesus applauds his faith, and heals his servant.
     The centurion is humble and faithful: he recognizes that Jesus Christ is true Lord of heaven and earth.     Everyone who is given, or takes up leadership must know that one-day he/she will be judged by a greater Authority.  Christian leadership is all about being a servant.  A father, for example, as head of his family, is called to lay down his life for his wife and children, just as Christ laid down his life for His mystical bride: the Church.  He must willingly place the needs, happiness and holiness of those he loves, before his own.  A CEO is called to consider the human dignity of his workers, and never allow greed to diminish their rights or personal value.  A priest has the honor and duty of offering his own life as holocaust in union with Christ's sacrificial gift, for the life of the world.
     Men and women are both called at various times, to leadership roles.  Men, however, must be led and formed, in some measure, by other men, if they are going to achieve true manly Christian character!  It is  Jesus Christ, Who is our greatest model.  Some imagine that He was a wimpy, soft, pacifist, but in truth He was courageous and powerful: "When the days for His being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51); He Who cast out demons and walked on water, "set His face like flint" (Isaiah 50:7).  Jesus knew the great suffering ahead, nevertheless He "resolutely determined" to fulfill the will of God.  This is the God-man Who faced great opposition and triumphed over it!  And we are  desperate for men today who would imitate Christ: who would lead their families, civic communities, businesses and the Church into the ways of God's Kingdom: men who would be courageous, prayerful, morally sound, wise and self- sacrificing. 

     Fr. Michael