Ancient and medieval warfare is often thought of for its brutality – however, death in battle was, in general, rare. If one thinks of the Roman Legions – as they confronted the enemy on the battlefield– if one stayed in formation, he was safe – behind a wall of shields, standing shoulder to shoulder with his brother soldiers – fellow soldiers right behind. As long as the legion stands firmly together, they are safe, even against larger armies – moving as one.
However, there was one time on the ancient and medieval battlefield where there was a high chance of dying – when that formation broke – when someone lost their nerve and ran away, leaving a hole in the line – some got overly aggressive and charged without orders – no longer filling their role in the formation – The Legions effectiveness in battle, as well as the protection of the legionaries, was not solely in better equipment – but in the disciple of the unit to move as one – something only possible with clear leadership and following orders. – including sometimes orders of unworthy commanders.
And here is a paradox of many things – the legion’s safety is in moving as one – but what if an unworthy commander – completely clueless - he got his position due to either monetary or political reasons - gives a stupid order? – such as marching directly at the strongest part of the enemy line? – what is the best thing for a soldier to do? – actually to follow it – for if the disciple of the unit holds, and they move as one – the poor strategy might just work – but if some ignore the order – others try and follow it – others try and run from the battlefield -the formation is broken, and that is when armies are slaughtered. – it is an example of a paradox of authority – where following legitimate decisions from legitimate authority is often the best thing to do, even if the holder of the authority is unworthy – even if the decision is foolish.
And this helps to explain a very odd thing that Christ says today – Jesus is not known as a fan of the scribes and Pharisees – they are the negative example in many of his parables – at one point, he calls them “whitewashed sepulchers” – and even today he says to not follow their example – criticizing how they seek titles and honors – He is not their friend – yet what does he say about them? - “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,” – They might not have been worthy of the authority or the seat – might be hypocrites and poor examples, but they hold that office legitimately and should be listened to – obedience has its own importance.
Many things can be said about obedience and following authority – we can talk about what it does not mean - it does not mean stopping thinking – rationality is an essential part of what it means to be human - obedience does not mean not saying something when they decide something stupid – one can speak up to help the one with authority make better decisions - It does not mean to blindly obey beyond the office the person holds – we should never follow a command to sin – an order to sin is always illegitimate – But we can always say something about what it does mean – that there is a type of virtue to obedience – after all, original sin was from disobedience.
To obey authority is to recognize that we depend on others - we must work together – that the only way is to all go the same direction – there is a reason obedience to the bishop holds such importance for St Ignatius of Antioch – and there is a reason all priests and deacons make a promise of obedience o the bishop – there is a reason all monks, nuns, friars, canons, and religions sisters make a vow of obedience to their superior – Letting go of our will in humility – forming us to Christ – for it is only in Christ that we have forgiveness of Sins – it is only in Christ we find the way to heaven – and if we look to the cross – Christ did not save us by a refusing commands to go on his own and be a hero – he did it by obedience – Christ’s obedience overcoming the disobedience of Adam. - As St Paul puts it – “he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.”
It is easy to say we must follow Christ – he is God – but what of those who are unworthy of their position? – It is just like the scribes and Pharisees – “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,” – they were not worthy – they were failing in their responsibilities – but listen to them. – follow their lawful authority – for the value of follow is not because they are worthy – but because they hold the office.
Thinking about today - it is not because priests and bishops are worthy of their office that they are there – by definition, they are not – called to celebrate the sacraments acting in Persona Christi – offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass – no human person is worthy of the office – not to be a priest, a bishop – and this includes Pope – It is possible to be a good Catholic and think a priest, bishop, or even the pope is wrong – or being foolish – but one must still recognize the authority – even if they are wrong, silly, unworthy - In the Church there is only one worthy of his office – the head of the Church – the one through whom we find salvation – Christ.
And all other authority comes through Christ – so just as, in the 1st Century, we are to follow – there are times we follow those not worthy – those that are clueless or foolish – but ultimately it is about following Christ in humility – following the one who as obedient unto death – following for the sake of our salvation.