The Christian Responsibility towards Leaders

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  12/01/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

In this week’s Pastor’s Corner, I reflect on the responsibilities we owe both our civil and religious leaders. This is very important as our prayers and goodwill go a long way to help them do the will of God for which they have been charged. From the beginning of the world, God himself showed that leadership has a key stake in the grand scheme of his creation.

Simply put, God himself manifested acts which undoubtedly point to the necessity of leadership. In Genesis 1:28, God desired that Adam be in charge of his creation and thus imbued him with dominion when he says, “Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” This act demonstrates that God who is the Logos and guarantor of orderliness desires that his creation be orderly and thus be under the rule and leadership of an individual.

Again, when we carefully examine the salvation history— the account or history of how God continues to come to the saving aid of his creatures from the Biblical times to now — we see that God continues to draw up leaders for his people who helped him and who will continue to help him always actualize his divine plan of salvation of his people. Beginning from the time of the patriarchs– Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to Moses and Joshua, through the times of the judges — Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, to the time of the prophets like Samuel, down to the time of the Kings— Saul, David, Solomon, and up to the exilic, post-exilic, New Testament times; God never ceased to show how he desired that his people have leaders who pilot their affairs and direct their dealings.

Further, if we deeply analyze the personalities of those chosen by God to lead over his people, we recognize that these men and women are far from being perfect. Moses was a stammerer, Saul was disobedient, David had an affair, Solomon was vain and banal, Samson had issues with maintaining confidence, Deborah was ruthless, Peter was impetuous, Paul was fanatical. Yet God chose them in their weaknesses to show that there is no room for human pride and perfection in his choice of his elect (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). At sometimes, God even rouses the hearts of leaders from tribes or nations people consider to be unbelieving like Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1), in order to demonstrate that he instituted leadership (Romans 13:1) and the hearts of all rulers are like a stream of water in his hand which he turns as he wills (Proverbs 21:1).

It is based on this theological understanding that we Christians pray for our leaders. This we see as our Christian duty and a divine injunction. Saint Paul addressing Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 writes: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” By praying for our leaders, we acknowledge God's sovereignty over all authorities, including civil and political ones. We also pray for our leaders so that our society can experience peace and that we can live in a way that allows us to pursue godliness and holiness. Further, praying for authorities also reflects a heart of submission to God's ordained order in society. It teaches us humility and respect for the role of government and leadership in maintaining societal order.

As Christians, we are encouraged to lift our leaders in prayer, regardless of personal or political opinions, because leaders are placed in authority by God (Romans 13:1). This act of prayer is seen as a spiritual responsibility, not merely a political stance. This is why praying for the living and the dead is recognized by the Church as a spiritual work of mercy. More so the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “Christian communities are bound to pray for those who govern, that God may grant them wisdom and prudence in their decisions.” (CCC 2240). Our prayers for our leaders is not only for God's guidance and wisdom on them but also for their protection and for God’s influence to be at work in their decisions. Additionally, we are called to offer thanksgiving, recognizing that the leadership, whether seen as positive or negative, is part of God's ultimate plan for history.