Pope Francis--Trampling Expectations

In the Chronicles of Narnia C.S. Lewis continually reminds us that Aslan is “not a tame Lion”.  Aslan, who (spoiler alert) represents God in the series, is beyond the expectations and limitations of “civilized” society.  Whereas a typical king would conform to expectations, Aslan is unpredictable, powerful, and unrestrained.

I can see how God is like that, and I see how that is unfolding in the mission of Pope Francis.

The Pope's recent visit to the United States left me feeling hopeful and grateful that we have a transparent, spiritual leader in a time when our Church and our faith needs a "spiritual awakening," a jolt of enthusiasm and inspiration!  A fresh approach that remains true to our Catholic teachings and traditions.  As I followed his United States pilgrimage I enjoyed the exuberant welcomes, the outpouring of people, and the proof that our Faith is Alive and well!

I also watched intently at how the media covered much of the visit.  Often flipping from channel to channel and I observed that the media likes (loves) to slot people and movements into categories of “liberal” or “conservative”.  They do this because it makes writing easy.  You are either this way or that way.  It also sells advertising.  Viewers or readers like to choose sides i.e. are you a “liberal” CNN viewer or a “conservative” Fox News viewer.  

Putting people into these categories also creates division and debate free from the troubling difficulties of nuance or discernment.  Once you’ve chosen your side, there’s really no need to listen to the other side at all, expect maybe to ridicule their ideas. Once you choose a side there's also no reason to continue to grow, learn, and educate one's self on issues or topics.  You have "your side," "your rules," "your orders," personal growth and life-long learning stops.  The closed mindset begins.  

All of this of course is very troubling for educators who believe in the power of sustained, life-long learning.  Educators who believe that each experience changes us, helps us to improve and helps us to better our understanding of our own beliefs and a deeper appreciation for the belief of others. 

Pope Francis is putting the media in a difficult position.  He is merciful, kind, humble, and wise.  He loves children and the poor, judges no one, and admits he is a sinner.  At the same time he remains ardent in his defense of the unborn, the definition of marriage, and the role of the Church.  He is breaking down barriers that the media has erected and they are not quite sure what to do with him.  God has given us a leader who is not a tame Lion.”  Since he is not concerned with the “labels”, he runs roughshod over them.  He is trampling people’s expectations with unfettered love for God and others. 

So what does this mean for Vianney?  

We need to be more like Pope Francis; allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, humble, forgiving, and sharing our faith with the unfettered enthusiasm of a child. We need to let go of our fear and embrace a Christianity that goes beyond political correctness and inhibition.  What would this look like?  How would it change us?  How would it change our community?