Called To Be Leaders

Today’s Mass opens with a familiar scene—Jesus entering Jerusalem, seated on a colt, as his followers “began to praise God aloud with joy.” Jesus entered on a young, male horse. Not a warhorse (not even a full-grown horse). He did not enter on a litter or carriage, carried by his closest followers. His entrance was not grandiose. Because, of course, Jesus was not that type of leader – one distinguished by prestige, status, power-hoarding, and showmanship.   

We do see those types of leaders on quite a regular basis. Indeed, over the last few months, there have been many leaders in this country whose actions and decisions have caused tremendous suffering, destruction, and chaos. Leaders at the highest level of government continue to orchestrate a seizure of more and more power – an exercise of leadership that Jesus’ example stands in sharp contrast to. 

Sure, when we think of leaders, it’s not uncommon to picture those at the microphones, in the rooms where decisions are made, allocating money, giving speeches, making policies. We may be prone to think of politicians, board members, executives, managers—the people at the front of the room.

But authentic leadership is not about prestige, status, or position. Marshall Ganz, a long-time scholar and community organizer, defines leadership as “accepting responsibility for enabling others to achieve shared purpose under conditions of uncertainty.” Leadership cannot be reduced to a title.  It’s a practice— and it’s one we can all take on in our own contexts. We are all called to be leaders, and our leadership is needed, perhaps now more than ever, as we face deepened conditions of uncertainty. 

For many years, my experience of leadership has been rooted in racial justice organizing and activism. I’ve witnessed leadership in so many ways. The leader who makes everyone feel welcome and fosters a deep sense of belonging. The leader who invites people to join an effort, action, or gathering—and follows up later, keeping them engaged. The leader who facilitates meetings with intention, ensuring the group continues moving in the right direction. The leader who steps up to guide a training session for the first time. The leaders who make phone calls and knock on doors, engaging strangers in conversation. 

These are just a few of the many ways leadership manifests. I feel profoundly grateful to have witnessed them in action because they have shaped my understanding of what it means to lead. Leadership is not about always knowing what to do or say. It’s not about always succeeding. Rather, it’s about showing up and bringing people together —again and again— grounded in a commitment to life and liberation.

Moreover, this leadership is not hierarchical or top-down. It’s shared and interdependent. Jesus fostered new leaders – to accept responsibility, to bring people together. Jesus calls us to do the same. My hope is that this Palm Sunday may be an invitation to exercise our leadership, to claim our leadership, with Jesus as an anchor and guide along the way. 

Today's Readings