Holy Introspection

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. – Hebrews 5:1-3 (NIV) 

I write this devotion as I view the jubilation accompanying the selection of the first North American Pope, Leo XIV. Though the papacy is not a position to be coveted (supposedly), it is hard to imagine a more vaunted religious office than that of the Pope. Leading more than a billion Catholics around the globe is an assignment that carries tremendous spiritual and political responsibilities. 

According the Hebrews writer, every high priest not only has the sacred responsibility to intercede on behalf of the people, but the priest also has the sacred responsibility to look soberly at themself. Spiritual leadership requires the leader to be cognizant of the leader’s own temptations. We only have as much insight into other people and into Scripture as we have into ourselves. The grace we extend to others must be reflective of the grace we’ve received ourselves. 

For many, the Church institution has become an empty ritual, bereft of Christ’s all-inclusive compassion. Pope Francis is still beloved by Catholics and Protestants around the globe because he placed human compassion at the heart of his ministry. His compassion was born of a deep acknowledgement of his own flaws and weaknesses. 

If Pope Leo XIV will lead his flock through the lenses of all that his weaknesses and his tribulations have revealed to him, he will do much to advance the gospel of Jesus in a callous world. 

Prayer
Lord, before we lead others, help us get a candid look at ourselves. Amen.

About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.