Voice of a lion
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10
Perhaps it takes a shepherd with the name of a lion to show what it means to fearlessly lead his sheep, calmly but firmly, without needing to raise his voice or engage in histrionics (be they his own or AI-generated).
I find it ironic that while everyone from news anchors to late-night comics are delighting in the supposed battle royale between Pope Leo and various presidents and princes, the Roman pontiff himself is resolutely exercising his responsibility and speaking with the voice of moral authority as entrusted in him by the Holy Spirit.
Yes, he was “elected” by the College of Cardinals, but that was more of a process of spiritual discernment than a typical American contested political election, with aggressive campaigning and profligate spending. Thus, he is not beholden to any lobbyist’s influence, nor does he need to be fearfully looking over his shoulder for his next rival.
To compare Leo’s voice with those of his would-be detractors is remarkable. His conveys quiet confidence, theirs conveys frantic defensiveness.
But we shouldn’t be naive here. When there are multiple and disparate voices, sheep get to pick their shepherds. In a world glutted with social media outlets and self-proclaimed authorities on myriad subjects, we have grown accustomed to choosing our own sources of truth and the leaders whom we will follow.
In an age of easily manipulated emotions, it’s not difficult to sway vast segments of the population — Catholic or otherwise — toward one direction or another.
But there is no ambiguity when it comes to papal authority. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful. For the Roman Pontiff, by reason of his office as Vicar of Christ, and as pastor of the entire Church has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered.” (CCC 882)
By virtue of his pastoral authority as the successor of Peter, the pope is meant to be the “source and foundation” of unity within the church. That means that Catholics have an obligation to take very seriously his teaching on matters of faith and morals.
As I’ve said in this column numerous times before, it is false to suppose that moral theology has no place in the body politic. It is precisely in the public arena where moral choices have their greatest influence and impact.
Jesus spoke publicly and he was not afraid to address the Sanhedrin (see, for example, Mt 26:57-64). But what he spoke of was his own identity as the Messiah, “seated at the right hand of God.” He did not challenge either the high priest’s role as the leader of the Jewish authorities or the emperor as the ruler of the Roman empire.
For speaking out against the morality of the choice for violence (and glorified violence at that) on a scale of destruction that kills thousands of noncombatants, and displaces tens of thousands, as if it were the only option available, the pope has drawn both childish insults and measured, condescending opposition from Catholics.
The proper response to such divisive voices, as Leo well knows, can be found in our second reading today from the First Letter of Peter, the pope’s predecessor. Patient suffering for doing what is good and right in the eyes of Christ is a “grace before God” (1 Pt 2:20).
We are called to live like Jesus, who: “When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten” (1 Pt 2:23). Yet Jesus’ seeming weakness, and that of his followers throughout two millennia, has had a fierce strength that has thwarted corrupt leadership and toppled immoral kings.
So Catholics should understand that the pope has no need to be defended in the public square, and his supporters should definitely not engage in the tactics of his enemies. Our proper response is to live the Gospel.
On Good Shepherd Sunday, we would do well to remember that the roar of our Leo has both the authority and composure of the Lamb.