Holy Father Pope Francis while addressing the faithful gathered at Casa Santa Marta for Holy Mass conveyed that emotion, closeness and consistency are what characterize the authority of Jesus the pastor. His Holiness compared the authority of Jesus Christ with that of the Scribes and doctors of the law who were far from God and the people and explained that the newness of Christ lies precisely in the gift of authority that he received from the Father.
As reported by Vatican radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “What gives authority to Jesus is precisely his closeness to the people because he understands their problems, pain and sins, He welcomes, heals and teaches them coming close to them.” Further, His Holiness added, “What grants authority to a pastor or awakens authority in him, given by the Father, is closeness- closeness to God in prayer. A pastor who does not pray, who does not seek God, cannot be close to the people and a pastor detached from the people cannot bring his message to them.”
His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his homily by reminding the faithful that if a pastor loses his authority, he should not lose hope, as there is always time to come close and reawaken one’s authority and prophecy.
