Years ago I heard Fr. Michael Himes define obedience as the discipline of properly assessing a situation and responding appropriately. Hinze's notion of lamentation as essential to obedience seems to be about the same thing. We must have a keen ear for the needs of the times to be able to respond as Jesus did.

The challenge is the "properly assessing" part. It's hard to read any situation clearly and without bias, especially when it involves something as personal as faith. It's nearly impossible to keep passion and ego out of it and to have the courage and wisdom to see the truth square on.

Because of these challenges, I do believe that ecclesial authority is a gift that frees us, as individuals, from the burden of constantly making momentous decisions on matters of faith and morals. But, having said that, it's also a gift that's often abused by those for whom authority isn't about service but power. I think Pope Francis is attempting a gentle course correction in that regard.