by placing on the shoulders of the disciples
a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?
On the contrary, we believe that we are saved
through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they."
The whole assembly fell silent,
and they listened…
The Roman Catholic Church points to this passage and many like it as scriptural foundation for the authority of the pope. Saint Luke describes in some detail the first controversy of the church – about admitting gentiles to an essentially Jewish fellowship – and how it was resolved. Saint Peter’s arguments appeal to the experience of his colleagues, and to reasons based on doctrine. But pure reason rarely evokes a response like that of James.
We would like to think rationality always wins the day but because human beings rarely act on purely rational motives, we need authorized “shepherds” to lead us. We recognize their voices and follow them. In this passage, though he does not appeal to his authority, we hear it in Peter’s speech. And James’ response seems more enthusiastic than that of simple submission to a persuasive argument. The Holy Spirit prompts him to jump to his feet and add his own voice to Peter’s, although he had previously opposed both Paul and Peter.
Indeed if God used only rationality to persuade us to live by the truth, he would not need messengers. A good philosophical book would do the job. But if we listened only to reason, we would not know the whole truth. The truth is more subtle than reason or words can express; it is far deeper than science can penetrate.
And so we must obey; or, because there is no such word in Hebrew, we must listen. James, Paul, Barnabas and all the Church listened to Peter and came together. Listening opens our hearts to truths that are deeper than words. It engages our affectionate, compassionate hearts and restores those bonds that might be rent by quarrelsome disagreement.
In this passage from the Acts of the Apostles, we see that those whose opinions prevailed did not crow about their victory; and those whose opinions were dismissed did not complain of being ignored or overruled. All from Peter on down were subject to the Holy Spirit, hard feelings were softened, the controversy was settled and unity was restored.
The teaching is clear: we must pull together around Saint Peter’s authority. Catholics believe that authority was not lost with the death of Peter. What use would this story be to us if that were so? We would forever grieve the loss of Saint Peter’s headship. Rather, it survives to this day in the Roman pontiff.
But that obedience does not come easily for any of us. Like most people, I pride myself on my opinions! They’re like treasures to me. I just hate it when the pope disagrees with me! But I recognize how ridiculous and destructive it is for one person or one faction to defy rightful authority and cause schism in the Church. No one’s opinions are that important. And I pray for our bishops and pope, that they will prefer argument and reason as Saint Peter did, without resorting too soon or too often to their rightful authority. Like Moses, they must be the meekest of men. (Numbers 12:3)
Finally, I pray with Jesus ut unum sint – that all may be one.
Thank you for your words and pics. Amen.
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