(c.400-461) Leo was born in Tuscany, Italy, and was a deacon and diplomat for the Imperial Court. He was elected the 45th Pope and held the Council of Chalcedon, which clarified that Jesus Christ was one person with two natures, human and divine. Many of his writings are on theological issues surrounding the person of Jesus. Leo famously dissuaded Attila the Hun from attacking Rome. “As the nickname soon attributed to him by tradition suggests, he was truly one of the greatest Pontiffs to have honoured the Roman See and made a very important contribution to strengthening its authority and prestige” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, March 5, 2008).
Dignity is too often compromised in active addiction. While the tempter reminds us of our past, Leo helps remind us of our present. When we fall, we practice Step 10, head to Confession, and keep moving forward, one day at a time.
“Christian, remember your dignity, and now that you share in God’s own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition. Bear in mind who is your head and of whose body you are a member. Do not forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of God’s kingdom” (Saint Leo the Great).
Reflection by Brad Farmer