Not surprisingly the world was captivated by the process of the Conclave to elect a new pope. This is perhaps because the process is devoid of modern technology, and filled with mystery. It was an act of confidence that God knows the hearts of all. Readings for Today.
You know the hearts of all
Secret ballot. Vote hand delivered. Results announced by smoke. The process of the conclave is one where modern technology is not only eschewed, but is in fact not allowed. The Sistine chapel and other places where the cardinals who can vote in the conclave stay is jammed to prevent technological connection. Even the people in St. Peter’s Square cannot get cell coverage.
There is just something captivating by an ancient process used for centuries. And it begins with an ominous statement. Extra omnes! Everyone out! Moreover, the whole process is filled with checks and balances to ensure accuracy. As those who watched the movie Conclave may have experienced, there is something transcendent about the whole experience.
And everything about the conclave can only be properly understood if one sees the proceedings with the eyes of faith. Those cardinals who are voting members of the conclave swear an oath. They discern the Holy Spirit. Their votes are cast as the ylook as the scene of the final judgement by Michelangelo.
Further, there are none of the trappings of modern day elections. There are no campaign posters, tv spots, or online advertisements. In fact, appearing to be campaigning is a sure sign one will not be elected. For many of the cardinals, if not all, the conclave is time to discern the will of God for the Catholic Church.
This process of relying upon the Holy Spirit for Church leadership is something we see in the first reading. Today is the Feast of Saint Mathias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.
The belief that random chance could be the vehicle through which the Holy Spirit works has a long history in the Old Testament and was used in the first reading where Mathias was chosen. Seeing that so much of our lives need to be seen through the eyes of faith, always seeking in what ways God is active is an important thing indeed.
And because the conclave was a process that relied more on the working of the Holy Spirit, the way in which the secular media reported on it was not as an event where the role of the electors was discernment, but through the only way they knew how. They saw it like any other election, where it was viewed as a contest between members of two (or more) political parties.
What both the choice of Mathias, and the election of Pope Leo show us is that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in the world. As Catholics, we do not rely on our own efforts to ensure the Catholic Church lasts. We rely on a promise Jesus made to us many centuries ago. He will always be with us. He will always be with his Church.
Imagine how much different the world would be if it was the case that we all saw the world and what happens as under the influence of the Holy Spirit. If in making choices, we would always see the world as one where we discern what God wants, and then we do it.
For this is the partnership necessary for our faith. We can only please God, do his will, when we see the need to receive into our hearts and souls the grace God gives us to do so. In fact, God knows what we need because he knows the hearts of all.
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