This week, I had the opportunity to travel to Rome, my favorite place in the world. Thanks to a good friend, I was able to watch the annual swearing in of the Swiss Guard, which was a sacred and moving experience. Later that evening, I had dinner with my Italian cousins and the discussion turned to my work. One of my cousins told me that she doesn’t practice the Catholic faith because she doesn’t like “all the obligations”. Juxtaposing the two experiences, I thought about the difference between “obligation” and “duty”. Doing a quick Google search, the difference between the two words seemed marginal at best. It was clear to me that the Swiss Guard had a duty, and my cousin felt obliged.
Perhaps the difference is in the Holy Father’s words: Do we understand our lives and leadership as a duty to protect, to preserve, to pass down? Or, do we feel constrained and obligated to a job, a task, or a relationship that is forced upon us? If I am honest, it might depend on the day, but I am going to try to keep the Swiss Guards solemn oath in the forefront of my mind. Understanding my “tie to others” and embracing my duty may free me from feeling obliged and help me more fully realize how God’s calling me to serve. Arriverderci!
Discerning Insights About Leadership
Spirit and Life
Sep 02, 2024
The Office
Aug 26, 2024
Claimant
Aug 19, 2024
Steady as He Grows
Aug 12, 2024
Shaped Like Clay
Aug 05, 2024
View all
Emboldening Our Clergy
CLI serves Church leaders, helping them rediscover their potential and forming them to be more intentional with those they serve.
Igniting Our Parishes
CLI helps empower and energize Catholic leaders by providing focus and courage to engage the culture with an apostolic mindset.
Forging Our Future
CLI provides vision and hope about the future of the Church with a humble, yet strategic approach.