Matthew 23:
9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10 Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
I believe this is an instance where we aren't expected to read every word of Scripture in an absoloute literal sense based on our current use of language. I think calling the humble Priest "Father Soandso", and calling the Pastor "Reverend Soandso" are not the examples which Jesus was referring to.
I do believe he was speaking of any man on earth who exalts himself and calls himself the "Holy Father", "Christs' Vicar on Earth", and other such pretentious titles. This person will be humbled.
I sure think the Popes who thought “Wow! I’m vicar of Christ, Let’s Party!” get bad humbled. The population density of popes in hell is high, if Dante is anything to go by. I think one of the Popes in the early 16th century (Alexander? I dunno) is reported to have said,”The papacy at last is ours. Let us at least enjoy it.”
ooops! (basketball buzzer noise) So tell me, Your Holitude, did you enjoy the whole thing with Luther and all?
However the ones who said,”Oh Lord, Somehow I seem to have ended up being your vicar. Keep me always in your will, do not let me go astray,” ...I’m less worried about their, uh, outcome.
I do believe he was speaking of any man on earth who exalts himself and calls himself the “Holy Father”, “Christs’ Vicar on Earth”, and other such pretentious titles. This person will be humbled.
= = =
It has seemed to me that humility, like pride in lofty ecclesiastical leaders . . . including most of the Pontiffs of my 60 years . . .
is very spotty. They can be incredibly humble in this or that set of areas . . . and absolutely Machiavellian or at least . . . fiercely, sternly authoritarion with great chips on their shoulders in other areas.
Must be something about being human.