Leading . . . from behind

Pentecost, the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the first followers of Jesus, has traditionally been considered “the birthday of the Church”. Today, just like on that day long ago, the community of the faithful comes together is a special space to rejoice in the power of the Spirit

This is indeed a special day, and we will celebrate the presence of the Spirit among us by baptizing some new Christians. Yet, every Sunday is the day of the Lord and every Sunday we are called to come together in a special place to speak to God in prayer and to “hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people” in Scripture, in music, and in the shared liturgical actions.

At the heart of our common identity is the sharing of the Eucharistic meal: we come to the altar to be nourished and empowered for our ministry in the world. We receive the Body and Blood of Jesus not because we deserve it, but because we need it to accomplish the work that Jesus has given us to do. The point is made especially clear in Eucharistic Prayer C, in which we ask: Deliver us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for renewal. It is from the same altar that we are to be sent into the world: we are apostles, we are “the sent ones” and Jesus “pushes us” out of the building and into the mission field from the same place where He welcomes and nourishes us that we may have the strength and the courage we need for the work that lies ahead. This is the message embodied by the deacon or priest who dismisses the congregation from the altar. The same liturgical action also has the clergy embody Christ the Good Shepherd by “leading from behind”. The good shepherd knows that sheep don’t follow a leader like others are prone to do. The good shepherd may set a safe course, but in order to make sure that the sheep stay together on the path, he/she needs to remain behind the flock to make sure that everyone is unharmed. In this way he/she can leave the flock to attend to the one that is hurt or lost. Hence the dismissal from the altar “go to love and serve, I will be right behind you to ensure the safety of the community”. It is a powerful message and an honor for the one who is delivering it every Sunday morning.