Choosing a leader

Last week in my religious community we chose a new leader after much prayer and deliberation. I was just thinking how much different it is in the political realm. We had no campaigning, no advertising, no cronyism, no vast expenditures of money to make sure a certain candidate won. If political campaigns could be conducted with the same transparency and care, we would more likely elect leaders we could trust and respect.

What would it take to change our election system? Certainly getting rid of the electoral vote and letting the voters choose the candidate. Also putting limits on the amount one person could contribute to a candidate running for president. And a large dose of prayer could open our eyes to see more clearly to vote for one who would promote the common good.

Of course, monastic leaders are not the same as political leaders. They are chosen from among their own community and are usually well known by the members. They share the common goals and values of their own sisters and believe in the concept of servant leadership, imitating Christ washing the feet of his apostles. They strive to be loved rather than feared.

Since monastic leaders know they are not perfect, they surround themselves with advisors who have gifts that they lack. They know how to listen with the "ear of their heart" and to extend compassion. They try to lead by example rather than by coercion. As St. Benedict says, "he/she must so arrange everything that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to flee." (Rule of Benedict, Chapter 64)