1 Peter 5:3
Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.
You have heard the phrase, "lead by example." Easy words to say, but not always as easy to execute. Many of us think of this as applicable to work, for those are many of the people that we are with on most days. But we are with our families much of the time as well, and many of us may act one way at work, at church or with our friends, but act another way at home. It's the people at home that know you the best. These are the ones that see you when you let your hair down, take off the 'public persona mask' and show what is often in your heart.
Today is the feast of the Chair of Peter, when the Lord Jesus gives power to Peter to build the church as we know it. In the first reading today, Peter exhorts his fellow presbyters to be "examples to the flock." These leaders are to lead and hold themselves at a higher standard. But really, we need to be held at a higher standard. As a Christian, you are a leader, although you may not believe it. That high standard of being a Christian needs to be held not only in our work and community, but in our homes. Make this lent a time when you be the example you NEED to be to your family.
