Today the world was caught off guard with an announcement by Pope Benedict that he would be resigning his office for medical reasons. In the minutes and hours following this portentous message commentators all around the world have taken up the task of contextualizing this decision. Some of them have chosen to portray this act in a negative light. In their eyes, there must have been something some dark reason that this man would choose to live the rest of his life in obscurity.
Over a billion people look to Rome and her Pope for spiritual guidance. Like most major religions the number of active adherents is much lower, but on any scale Catholicism is an enormous community of faith. The broad influence of the papal office is undeniable, and perhaps unrivaled. For any man to willingly relinquish that power is very special. Among faithful and practicing Catholics there are very few if any voices that would have called on him to step down. Of those few, none would have had the capacity to compel him.
As I sat and took just a moment to ponder it all, my mind was drawn to the Sermon on the Mount. Where the Lord taught some of his most important doctrines. Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the Earth. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Pope Benedict is known as a staunch defender of the faith. Many of his greatest critics are those who take offense to his unwillingness to apologize Catholic doctrine. He believes that there are universal truths. He has been a voice for doctrinal conservatism within the Catholic community for many years. Although, to be fair, he also spoke out against a very orthodox group when they did not want to take up the lead set by Rome.
To some this makes the man insensitive, backwards, and blind. But it does not mean that to me. Granted, Pope Benedict would seriously disagree with my personal view of the Scriptures, of the nature of God, and the history of Christianity. We would not agree on some of the basic fundamentals of religion. For example, the nature of the next life, the nature of mankind, and the meaning of many of the words of Jesus. It would indeed be very probable that he and I would find ourselves so far apart on some things that we would have a hard time talking about them in a completely open and honest way in order to prevent contention.
Having said all of these things, I feel tonight a great respect for Pope Benedict. Some of my favorite people in great story of human history are those who have been big enough, to step aside. Examples include George Washington from American History and King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon. (Ironic as it may be)
I can't pretend to know the man, or even to be very well acquainted with his teachings. Only the Judge of all men, both quick and dead, can search out his heart and know the true worth thereof. However, I know that this world could use more men with the kind of moral fiber and conviction of character to realize their own limitations and to look at the greater good accomplished by them gracefully stepping aside. I would do very well to learn that myself.
Jesus taught "whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
I pray that this promise is kept in the case of this good man, whose example of piety and humility has blessed my life this day. He has lived a life of courage and conviction, and I pray God that in his final years he may have peace and joy in that faith that he has so nobly served.
I feel also to say that I am grateful for the security and stability that I have in my own faith. Those who I look to as my spiritual leaders operate within a divinely inspired system that provides Latter-Day Saints a wonderful sense of continuity. If President Monson were to grow ill, there are two men who are called and authorized to act in his behalf and direct the affairs of the church until such time as he might recover or the Lord should call him home. This system could last for a few days or for many years if needed. When the president of the church does die, there is no debate or question as to who will replace him. It is a solemn occasion, but not at time of conjecture.
I am grateful for the wonderful Christlike example provided by the leaders of my church. I have come to know for myself through prayer and experience that they are called of God to lead His church. They are vested with the powers and authority of the Holy Priesthood, and they know the voice of the Master we all seek to serve.
I am grateful for all of the wonderful men and women all over the world that seek to live lives guided by inspiration and faith. As time goes on, I come to feel more deeply that we are all children of God, and that almost all of us are doing the best we know how. We can all do better, but I think that most people have good hearts.
As the Good Book says, "No man can serve two masters." Though we may not believe the same things or worship Him in the same way, I feel in my heart that men like Pope Benedict are serving God. And that means that we are on the same team. I pray that I might be as faithful a servant in my own sphere as he has been in his.
