The Servant of the Servants of God

For years living here, I have wondered why the locals persist in referring to bishops as "Your Excellency".  As a good western liberal, it really goes against my grain.

Each year, we have the wonderful, down to earth and friendly archbishop visit us from Malaysia for his holiday.  He is a most humble man.  Despite his asking otherwise, the commentator at mass, no matter who it is,  on the day always introduces him to the congregation at mass as "His Excellency".  The archbishop smiles while I just bow in embarrassment.

Then while at lunch on Sunday, it hit me why this is so.  Bishops and priests here are recognized as 'little monarchs', and some of them love this of course. This was an insight presented in a simple conversation I was having with a good friend over our noodles.  My friend is an American who has lived here many years and I utterly respect what he says. .

Not just Thailand but Asia is the continent where status and prestige matter so much.  So titles and presentation are central to anyone's daily existence.  My own official title at the Catholic Commission on Migration is Executive Director.  I purposely shorten it to Director.  In doing so, I am not only applying my egalitarian principles but also protecting myself as when I make a mistake it does not look so bad.

Then I see this recent picture of Pope Francis having lunch with Vatican employees at the staff cafeteria.  What does he do?  He gets his own food and carries his own tray to a table just like everyone else. Just as he should.  He is showing us the way. Sometimes I ask myself how many bishops and clergy really do listen to what the Pope has to say.