Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
Today’s reading from Judges reveals that during times of great difficulty God raised up judges to guide Israel. This was before permission was given to God’s people for a king, because YHWH alone was Israel’s king.
Ordinary men and women, the judges didn’t claim “royal” titles. After their work was through, they returned to ordinary life. Much like Roman Cincinnatus and much like George Washington.
Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus was a Roman statesman and general who retired to his small farm until, due to barbarian attack, he was granted dictatorship over Rome. In two instances he held onto power long enough to repel the invaders. Then he returned to his plough*.
Washington refused to become a monarch and rejected titles like “your majesty” and “your excellency.” “Mr. President is fine,” he said.
Famous among the judges were Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Barack, and Samuel. Samuel served as a bridge figure, the last judge and the first prophet. They are called “judges” not because they presided in a courtroom but because their cause was always justice for Israel.
In our Gospel, we are confounded once more with the rich young man who wanted to go beyond the keeping of commandments and obtain perfection before God. But he shies away when Jesus tells him to do this by selling all that he had, giving proceeds to the poor.
These are appropriate readings for the Feast of Pius X, the pauper pope, who said “I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I wish to die poor.” A model in our day is Pope Francis who also lives very simply and rejects adulation. Upon his election, our current Holy Father said that he desired “a poor church for the poor.” His choice of a papal name says it all.
There’s been a flurry of canonizations of popes in our time. St. Pius X was canonized in 1954, the first pope since Pius V in 1712. Since then Pope Francis canonized John XXIII, John Paul II, and Paul VI. He has pronounced John Paul I (the “September pope”) as “blessed.” In 2000 Pius IX was named as “blessed.” That’s five popes raised to the altars of the church in recent times. I have no doubt that Benedict XVI isn’t far behind.
Pius X was known as a no nonsense disciplinarian, as were the judges of old. But he tempered that with compassion, born out of his peasant background. Rules have their place, but must be tempered with love. Rules for their own sake are never a good thing. Never.
If you are in a position of authority, take St. Pius X as your model. Be a compassionate leader. A servant leader. Like John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, & John Paul II.
Like Jesus of Nazareth.
-Timothy J. Cronin
*Of special note the shield of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati features a plow in honor of Cincinnatus.