Timothy Shriver on the Call of Pope Francis

“Pope Francis has brought a breath of fresh air to the world’s discourse on all things divine. For those seeking meaning and belonging, he’s repeated the gospel invitation, ‘Come all you who are weary and I will give you rest.’ For those seeking peace and justice, he’s walked the talk by eating and celebrating with people who are homeless and in prison. For those seeking acceptance without moralizing, he’s uttered the words to define a generation, ‘Who am I to judge?’

“Like so many others who value progressive political and religious ideals, I welcome Francis’ proclamations of the beautiful ‘fragrance of the gospel.’ But no one should make the mistake of thinking that Francis is merely shifting the discourse from moral and cultural issues to economic and social ones. That’s only a part of the story.

“Most people are applauding Francis’ call to change the Catholic hierarchy, and many are welcoming his challenge to attack economic inequality. But his call to change isn’t just about the social justice we seek for others or the reform of outdated Catholic insularity. It’s also about the deep and often painful work of changing ourselves from the inside out. The Hebrew prophet Joel captured the challenge of the inner life clearly: ‘Change your heart, not your garments.’ Still, changing one’s heart isn’t easy. . . .

“The initial praise for Francis may not endure. Prophets often enjoy popularity until people hear the full depth of their challenge. People on the political right are already distrustful because the pope, like many mystics, seems to be abandoning certainty and trusting in the spirit that ‘blows where it will.’ Order and control are at risk. The layers of conformity are being peeled away and what might emerge is uncertain.

“But the left should be equally nervous because the spirit also invites a firm faith in the divine. It is not elitist. It is not arrogant. It does not come with doctorates in policy and economics and the sciences. It dethrones every kind of power. Its only principle is life – the more vulnerable the more beautiful. It only makes sense with an embrace of faith.”

In a recent commentary, writer Timothy Shriver reflected on the call of Pope Francis to each of us to be open to God’s goodness and to change our hearts accordingly.

To access Mr. Shriver’s complete post, please visit:

OnFaith: Beware of Pope Francis (13 FEB 14)

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