I was predisposed to think this was going to be another of the puff filler pieces running on this site lately, but I actually enjoyed this pleasant little reflection. But then, I'm a sucker for sports analogies.

Calling balls and strikes is the most subjective thing umpires do, but it's the "safe/out" calls that matter most. Experienced umpires know that in the split-second when the play is happening, they can't possibly see everything. So they watch the base and listen for the sound of the ball hitting the glove. Instant replay shows that this approach works more often than not.

The analogy to the Church is that more than just one type of information is needed to make a just and compassionate pastoral decision. I think Pope Francis gets that. I'm not so sure about some other members of the hierarchy.