Falsani on Mumford, Bono, Pope Francis and titles

Cathleen Falsani:

...This reminds me of Pope Francis, who has accepted the label of “Holy Father” but prefers to refer to himself the “Bishop of Rome.” In doing so, he’s not denying his role as pontiff, but he is telegraphing the idea that he is much more comfortable with a more humble position. He is a shepherd who likes to, as he told crowds during Holy Week, be amid the “smell” of his sheep.

A good shepherd keeps track of his sheep and his sheep recognize his voice when he calls to them. Humans are not meant to be labeled. They are meant to be known.

I don’t care what Mumford or Bono or the pope call themselves or don’t.

Their actions and (other) words tell a story of faith that is much more nuanced, and therefore truer, than any label they might pin over their hearts or have thrust upon them.

So Marcus, roll away your stone, and let the naysayers roll away theirs.

Take your time. God’s not in any hurry and we shouldn’t be either. Because, as you say, “that’s exactly how this grace thing works.”  

-link (I've linked here to Scot McKinght's excerpt of the article, as his link to the orginal Falsani column doesn't work)   LATER NOTE: whole article here