In parish life, July initiates transitions. As priests, we may complete an assignment in June and immediately start all over in another parish in July. We may face staff changes and scramble to hire replacements. Or a parish leader moves to a different state, and we struggle to fill the position with a volunteer. Families go on vacation, children move up a grade and teens plan for a new school.

We often struggle in a new fiscal year, worrying about donations, personnel and how to accomplish summer repairs to our parish buildings. We panic about finding another priest when planning some time away, and we are never sure parish employees will return after summer break. The month of July brings to parish life unexpected challenges, transitions and questions about resources. As leaders of faith, we cannot ignore such transitions. We must take a deep breath and recognize the complexities of what it means to serve God amid changes we cannot control.

This month, the Church remembers the saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. These siblings are not just a weekday memorial for us, but represent a true and beautiful series of experiences with Christ that teach us how to be leaders. After all, Martha and Mary knew Jesus well, and they were fearful in his sight about the death of Lazarus (Jn 11:3). In fact, they blamed Jesus for the death, saying to him that if he had been with them their brother would not have died (Jn 11:21). Their experience teaches us the beauty of sitting by the side of Jesus, waiting for him to act. It also shows us that we cannot live isolated in our grief or the many changes we face. We cannot be leaders in isolation or fear.

As leaders, we sometimes believe that every transition or problem we face in the parish is ours alone to fix. After all these years of priesthood, I believe parish life is communal on all levels. Even the angst of wrong decisions or panic in times of hardship are invitations for us to trust God and the community. Leadership should not be hidden under a bushel basket or hushed in a sacristy. True leaders share the consequences of loss, the fears of transitions and the uncertainty of making decisions.

A place of true growth

Martha, Mary and Lazarus teach us that nothing is hidden from Christ, not even death. In such a relationship with Christ, they lived their uncertainties together — their fears, their losses and even their discoveries of trust.

I believe in such community, where uncertainty lives. When a leader struggles or hides something, eventually everyone seems to know, even when he wants to hide pain, anxiety or fear. I have learned that transitions, decision making and striving for our common future are all revealed in the life of the community where prayer is taken seriously. Martha, Mary and Lazarus show us that nothing should be hidden from Christ, nothing should be accomplished alone. Trusting the parish community, members of the Body of Christ on earth, is essential for our common life and future.

July is also a birthplace for new ideas and dreams. Starting fresh after a summer break is truly a gift of God. We need time to ponder our lives, to pray more deeply, to let go of our quest to always be right and trust in the beauty of God and in the amazing community of believers we serve. We need to take to heart the example of Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus. We need daily rest at the feet of Jesus Christ. We need such humility in the presence of our Savior, listening attentively to his voice.

July becomes a place of true growth when we learn once again that we are loved by God. When we truly place our trust in Christ, we can see our role amid community, sharing the joys, forgiveness, mercy and presence of Christ Jesus. 

FATHER RONALD PATRICK RAAB, CSC, serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical facility and retirement home for the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana. Learn more at www. ronaldraab.com.