The Proper Role of Laymen

In the aftermath of the latest swirl of rumor regarding a Universal Indult, I thought now an appropos time to make a brief comment on the role of laymen in the Church. One of the many things lost with the horizontalization and anti-hierarchical spirit of our time is the proper feeling of humble submission to our superiors. This is true even among the most faithful of the faithful. Indeed, we on this very blog have often felt empowered to publish criticisms of our late Pontiff. This seems natural, and even right, to us these days: we're educated and smart and have read a bunch of books. We know a bit about the history of the Church. Yet look at Pope Pius XII on his sedia gestatoria. Would it be as easy to be free in one's criticism of such a public figure as he was as it is with Pope John Paul II, whom we saw in much more compromising surroundings? Hardly! Nonetheless, the intrinsic dignity of the hierarchy arranged by Christ Himself persists even today. It is well for us to remember this fact, and not to think it our right to know the mind of the current Holy Father vis a vis the old Mass or any other issue. It is not wrong to wish to know, nor to seek to know, something of such importance. But we must never lose ourselves in a modern stance of feeling we have a right to such access. Our primary business is service to God in our own state, not judging the supreme earthly judge. We needn't stop reading Rorate Caeli for news. But let's be sure we pray and study scripture and adore Christ in the Eucharist yet more.