Money, Sex, Power, and the Pope

I was part of a conversation last night that included two lovely Catholic women who were abuzz with the news that a new pope had been selected.  The whole papal selection process has been interesting to watch on the news, with the conclave of red-robed cardinals gathering in the magnificent Sistine Chapel, amid all the secrecy and pomp, and the providential seagull perched on the smokestack.  I especially love the interviews of the various priests, who've been overflowing with eager exuberance.  I remember one particular comment made by a bishop when asked if he would prefer a pope who had great organizational and political skill or who was a great evangelist.

"Always the evangelist," said the grinning man. 

Pope Francis

Known for simplicity and humility

My interest in all of this will wane but for one thing...the religious writings of the ancients, who were, surprise, all Catholic brothers and sisters.  My children and I just wrapped up our study of ancient Rome and will finish the year with a study in Medieval and Renaissance times.  Catholic religion mingles with every aspect of this study, from the rise of the Church to the Crusades to the growth in monastic living.  It's fascinating and often heartbreaking.

Over the years, I've read many writings of the ancients, mostly excerpts selected by one of my favorite authors, Richard Foster, a contemporary Quaker author, professor, and contemplative.  Mr. Foster has taught me how to gently reflect on these writings in the books "Devotional Classics" and "Spiritual Classics."  He is so smart and authentic and thoughtful.  

While I appreciate many modern day authors, I especially love the enduring quality of writing by people like St. Augustine, the prodigal who did not return to Christ until his 30's.  This is why he could write the timeless phrase, "I am restless til I rest in Thee."  

These men and women took on the three great ethical issues of human life:  money, sex, and power.  They did this by taking the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.  Church history sadly shows that these besetting sins are not completely inescapable, but I appreciate how the  Catholics recognize them and attempt to deal with them.  My personal faith allows me to rest in God's grace and to live in His power, but as Mr. Foster aptly observes:

We too must give an answer to how we will live in relationship to the three great issues of life.  My own answer, in brief, is this:  in response to the issue of money, we learn to live in simplicity; in response to the issue of sex, we learn to live in fidelity; in response to the issue of power, we learn to live in service.  What would your answer be? -Richard Foster, Spiritual Disciplines