It is indispensable that, within the Christian people, every ministry and charism be directed to full communion; and it is the duty of the Bishop and priests to promote this communion in harmony with every other Church vocation and service. — Pope Benedict XVI

During the past 15 years I have written about dozens of topics on things my father taught me when I was growing up, and continues to teach me now that I am an adult.

Recently, remembering the advice of a good friend who said many people appreciate bulleted lists for easy reading, I decided to create a list of two word phrases capturing the essence of the many lessons I learned from my dad. Since many publishers are interested in an author’s ideas for marketing, I considered that such short phrases would serve as great bumper stickers.

Heading the list was the phrase “Do Good.” I went to a great Internet site that I have used before, where a customer can design their own bumper stickers, and within a few weeks I had a small supply of magnetic bumper stickers and the satisfaction of knowing I had created my own traveling work of art.

A more challenging result is that I now also have a constant reminder on the back of my car to “Do Good,” a print version of my conscience following me like shadow.

So, with those two words prominent in my mind for the last month or so, our pastor’s homily this past Sunday resonated strongly with me, reminding me of the many ways we either do good, or do harm, to the life of our parish. High at the top of that list is our willingness, or refusal, to build community.

Community is essential to a people who professes belief in the Trinity; who profess belief in a savior born within the communion of love that is family. As individuals, and as a people, we were born to be in community; our Baptism makes us members of one Body of Christ, and every member of the community has a responsibility for the health of the body.

Community is nourished by something as ancient and ordinary as hospitality—a smile, a welcome, a pleasant voice on the phone, clean and orderly gathering places, personal presence during times of need, fellowship, and simple respect for people. But even the best attempt at hospitality is not enough to nurture healthy community if we are not truly walking the talk of our faith, especially those of us who are leaders in the Church, whether we lead in a parish, school, diocese, service organization, or simply in our families.

Too often, when we accept the role of leader, our human inclination toward pride takes over and humility flies out the window. And there is nothing more damaging to community than arrogance because it pigeon-holes people into a hierarchy of importance, with “me” on top, and everyone else somewhere on the ladder going down.

If we forget the “servant” part of servant leadership, putting what we want before all else, we erect obstacles to forming community, and have, ourselves, become obstacles to the sacramentality of the Church.

In his book, The Apostles, Pope Benedict XVI writes about Peter, who serves as an example for all leaders, saying that Peter had strong expectations of what he wanted in terms of a powerful Messiah, and when Jesus presented himself as a servant of God who would dash Peter’s expectations to the ground, Peter responded with great arrogance. Pope Benedict writes, “Peter, implusive as he was, did not hesitate to take Jesus aside and rebuke him. Jesus’ answer demolished all his false expectations, calling him to conversion and to follow him.

‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.’ It is not for you to show me the way; I take my own way and you should follow me. Peter thus learned what following Jesus truly means.”

“Follow me.” There is no advice more difficult, or more effective, for Christian leadership.