We expect experts to be knowledgeable in their expertise. But it does not happen that all experts utilize their knowledge. For example, not all computer science geniuses become Bill Gates. We see many medical science experts and doctors also suffer from diseases. Biographers of successful business people know many details of their subjects but I have never heard a biographer of a business guru also made much money with the knowledge of his subject.
But when it comes to religion, our expectation is different. We wish to see a religious leader who radiates his teaching by his presence and deeds, not only by his position and words. We expect more than knowledge from religious experts and teachers. In the future, artificial intelligence will replace experts for teaching and training. But I doubt we are willing to accept artificial intelligence as our religious teachers and leaders. And it would be quite sad if disciples could enter heaven while their teachers could not because these teachers cannot die.
We wish to see our Christian leaders reflect Christ’s presence. You might think that much study makes it possible. But I do not think so. I believe rather humble obedience makes it possible. Study and obedience have different objects. Study searches for objective facts while obedience asks for the will of a lord.
The doctors of the Church do not receive a degree or a certificate. We have doctors of the Church who never had higher education, such as St Therese of Lisieux. These doctors of the Church revealed the truth of the faith by completely submitting themselves to the will of Christ. These saints teach us not only who Christ Jesus is but also what the heart of Christ Jesus desires. And their lives become the exercises of the will of Christ.
A person can say he knows Christ as much as he obeys his will. At the Judgment, our Lord will say to those who have taught about him and carried out the works of wonders but not obeyed his will, “I do not know you.”
