Today’s set of readings relates to how community leadership determines what is permissible and what is not within a group of believers. The movement begins with the assertion from Isaiah that God is the One with all power and authority, and God’s will is greater than any earthly ruler. We respond with gratitude for this in the responsorial psalm. The reading from Paul then reminds us that understanding God’s will is beyond human understanding, though it implies we may catch glimpses of that will. Finally, in Matthew’s Gospel today, Jesus entrusts Peter with the authority to determine what is permissible or not in the community. This is followed two chapters later with Matthew presenting Jesus as giving the same authority to the community of disciples (Mt. 18:18).
The Second Vatican Council tied these two passages together when discussing the authority of the Church represented by its symbol of unity, the Chair of Peter. This means that leadership is vital, but always within the context of collegiality. Peter and the apostles—the pope and the bishops are visible forms of that ideal.
Living in community is hard. We arch-individualists in the United States want all the benefits of living in community but would prefer to pass on the obligations or limitations that belonging to a community sometimes includes. We cannot do whatever we want, which is how “freedom” is often understood today. This is also reflected in the various forms of Christianity in our country today. We do know this though. Where there is community there must be leadership, and scripture suggests that where there is leadership, it should be consultative, collegial, and consistent with the Spirit of God who is always present where “two or three are gathered.”
I believe the new emphasis on becoming a synodal Church captures this precise point. Within our local Catholic community bishops have a unique authority that is best used through consultation with the community affected by the decision. Pope Francis introduced us to the process of local synodality. Pope Leo has firmly continued that path asking the Cardinals of the Catholic Church to promote synodality by first practicing it.
If you have ever been cynical about how the Church uses its power and authority, this is your opportunity to step forward and become part of the process you have critiqued. The Church is asking us to use our voice to discern the movement of the Spirit in our community and to honestly and openly share that fruit with our leadership. How will you respond to this invitation?
Tom Kelly
Thomas Kelly, Ph.D. is Professor of Theology and Director of the Christian Spirituality Program at Creighton University. He has been an Ignatian Associate for 21 years and parents four children with his wife Lisa.
