Two Sources of Authority

Celtic spirituality took root without the influence of the Roman Church in a land described as the edge of civilization.  It was a tradition which took as its authority St. John who is remembered as the beloved disciple of Jesus and the one who leaned against Jesus at the Last Supper.  Thus, the Apostle John became the image of the practice of listening for the heart of God.  This spiritual tradition waned in influence after the Synod of Whitby in 664.  It was a moment when Celtic spirituality and the institutional life of the Roman Church came into conflict. 

 

At the Synod of Whitby the official position became one which recognized St. Peter as the primary authority of the Church.  Instead of listening for the heart of God in everything, it was decided that the organized Church was the place to listen.  This Church was founded on the authority of Peter who was a symbol of faithful action.  It was a moment when it was declared that listening for God could only be done within the ordained ministry and the formal life of the Church.  Celtic spirituality leans into the contemplative life while the spirituality of the institutional church leans into a life of activity and doing. 

 

What prompted the memory of things read was a picture painted by the gospel writer John at the very end of his gospel.  After Jesus walked with Peter on the beach (John 21:15-19), the Word says, "Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them..." (John 21:20).  It is an image which creates both a question concerning John following and another concerning Peter's comments upon seeing him.  Both were leaders within the group of twelve and both became Apostles.  Even then, though, there seems to be invisible undercurrents existing between the two.