Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
There are many stories, in the history of the early church, -of the tremendous works of the people of faith and how their steadfast faith and service transformed the people and communities in which they lived. One story from the church in Alexandria is an extraordinary example of Christian discipleship. A plague broke out throughout the region and many fled from fear of the plague. Yet, historians remarked that one group stayed to care for the sick and the dying. It was the Christian community of Alexandria. People were amazed at this group’s action. Many of these Christians died in service of the sick. By their actions, the Christians of Alexandria confronted the norms of a culture that was perplexed by their extreme love.
Christianity’s embrace of values that exceeded cultural norms were nothing new to the church of the fourth century. What has been forgotten from time to time in Church history is the profound counter-cultural nature of the gospel message. Applying Paul’s words from today’s reading for our modern context illustrates the intense nature of living as a faithful disciple. Imagine if we slandered no one and were peaceable, considerate and gracious to everyone. Imagine if in our families, places of employment and communities, we lived with no malice or envy, or even without hatred. What might be some ways we could change so as to better live reflecting Christ’s abundant love us?
The gospel gives us a great glimpse of how God’s abundant love and mercy can play out in the life of a faithful disciple. It challenges us to acknowledge the wounded parts of our lives. These wounds may run deep and seem impossible to be healed, almost as impossible as healing leprosy. We are called to offer those wounds to the Lord for healing. In the process of being healed, we must not only recognize the source of our healing and we must respond with gratitude. We must thank our Lord and Savior whose love and mercy makes us whole in body, mind and spirit.
These readings give us great touch points from which to understand and appreciate St. Leo. Leo was a Pope who cared greatly for the pastoral care of his people. He also went to great lengths to heal that which was wounded in the Church. His writings healed many divisions in the Body of Christ. One of his letters in the year 440 focused on his doctrinal insistence of the mysteries of Christ and the Church. These understandings paved the way for the Council at Chalcedon’s understanding for Christ as fully human and fully divine.
-Michael Montgomery