Pentecostal Pope
The Gospel of Matthew recounts a conversation between Jesus and his disciple Simon. Jesus says, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church.” In hindsight, this an odd transition for Simon to have a new identity as Peter. How did Simon become solid as a rock?
Simon was anything but solid on the night the Sanhedrin arrested Jesus. In fact, Simon denied Jesus three times. Why? He was scared. Fear often makes us turn on those we love the most and push them away.
Grief compounded Simon’s fear. He watched as his friend was handed over to the Romans and crucified. The horrors of the day drove the disciples into seclusion. They didn’t know what would happen next, or who would be next.
Then the Risen Lord appeared. The Gospels offer varying accounts of when and how it happened. Each account, however, has a variation of a simple phrase, “Peace be with you.”
Peace overcomes fear. Peace overcomes grief. Peace offers hope. Peace transformed Simon into Peter.
The transformation was not instantaneous or permanent. When the Risen Jesus left the disciples alone again and ascended into heaven, He promised to send a comforter, the Holy Spirit.
The disciples remained locked in a room until Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit appeared, “like tongues of fire,” the disciples finally became Apostles and had the confidence to spread the Good News.
The Acts of the Apostles recounts, “Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.”
Pentecost reversed the curse of the Tower of Babel. A language motivated by the Holy Spirit allowed the Apostles to venture forth without fear of their neighbors. They accepted the ridicule for preaching the benefits of sharing, mercy, and forgiveness.
According to tradition, Peter left his home and headed for Rome. There he spread the Good News and founded communities among the poor and neglected. Unfortunately, he began to fear again and headed out of Rome.
On his way out, the Risen Lord confronted him. He said, “Quo vadis?” or “Where are you going?”. Peter immediately realized his mistake and headed back to Rome. On Vatican Hill, he was crucified upside down and buried. Thus, the Bishops of Rome eventually became known as the Pope, or Holy Father.
The first words of Pope Leo XIV shouldn’t surprise us: “Peace be with all of you.” He is a Pentecostal Pope. As Robert Francis Provost, he left home to feed the poor, cloth the naked and comfort the oppressed. He learned multiple languages to serve others better. That takes courage.
I don’t expect Pope Leo to be perfect. Like his predecessor Peter, he will falter. Pope Leo, however, does give me hope. He understands that an active, Pentecostal Gospel feeds, comforts and builds bridges. Bridges create the possibility for peace. May more Christians find and the Holy Spirit as Peter and Leo proclaimed.
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