Jesus was a sign of contradiction to ALL types of folks, common people and the hierarchy. Recall John 6 when the common people harassed Jesus for another miraculous multiplication of bread/fishes. Jesus refuses to do this for them, teaches them about eating His own flesh and blood, and in that offends all their sensibilities inherited from Judaism. The common folk desert Him en masse and then He asks His disciples the provocative question: "Do you also want to leave?" 

The Rich Young Man is another example, walking away distraught at the notion of following Jesus "perfectly" in poverty. Jesus doesn't budge on His rigorous invite and lets the young man walk off.

His own poor disciples are flabbergasted by His abolition of divorce, openly declaring they might as well avoid marriage altogether. Jesus doesn't flinch and reaffirms His claims.

If the Cardinals are treating lay people "miserably" by exhorting them to explicit Gospel commands, what do you have to say about Jesus Himself?