+AMDG+

Today's Readings

Welcome again to Pope Francis!

I must admit that I too was wrapped up in the coverage of this major step in the history of OUR Faith.  He's the Pope of firsts, the first Francis, the first from the Americas, and the first outside Europe (in modern times - Thanks Renee!).  He's the Pope of prayer, as he stepped out of the norm and asked us to pray for him before giving his first Papal blessing on us!  He's a Pope for the Poor, as he brings a history of ministry that focuses on those thirsting for God's love and society's acceptance.  He has lived his faith for all to see, a simple man, with basic values, in a simple existence.  You know he's got the world's attention when the news focuses on the fact that he lived in an apartment and not a chancery, and made his way to work each day on a bus, and without a chauffeur.

In choosing his name, Pope Francis seems to have chosen to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi.  One CNN article identifies St. Francis as "A great, great Saint", quoting Pope Pius XI when he said that "there has never been anyone in whom the image of Jesus Christ and the evangelical manner of life shone forth more lifelike and strikingly than in St. Francis.". (See the CNN full article)  In St. Francis's own vision, he was called by Christ to "go and repair my church in ruin", so he gave up everything and followed his faith, "preaching the Gospel, and only using words when necessary."  (Read about St. Francis)  

Other's are joyful because Pope Francis is a Jesuit!  Time Magazine notes that he is "an accomplished intellectual [playing a] “leading role during the Argentine economic crisis” as a “potent symbol of the costs globalization can impose on the world’s poor."   My little understanding of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, would say that Pope Francis would encourage all of us to see God in His creation, especially the poor.  Work for God's Mission as a true and authentic disciple for Christ.  Know that Christ gave himself, and God gave His son to show us LOVE, and call us to a meaningful conversion!  "The three phrases instilled in every Jesuit child — Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam (“For the Greater Glory of God”), Cura Personalis (“Care of the Whole Person”) and “Finding God in All Things” — are three of the conclusions reached after the [Ignatian] Spiritual Exercises." (See the full TIME article)

Pope Francis also has ties to St. Francis Xavier.  "One of the 16th-century founders of the Jesuit order, Francis Xavier was a legendary missionary who spread the faith as far as India and Japan — giving the new Pope's name further resonance in an age when the Church is struggling to maintain its numbers." (ZeeNews.India)  I couldn't help but focus in on the Pope's comment that his fellow cardinals went "to the other end of the world" to find a Pope!

Finally, it wouldn't be a GregBlog if I didn't try to make a connection with Today's Readings.  On the surface, the message today cries that we need to get back to Lent!  But there seems to be a connection today as God calls on Moses to recognize that His people are a "stiff neck" group, unwilling to follow His ways.  Similar to the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, God is ready to pack up and go home.  "Let me alone," God said, "that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them." (Exodus 32:10)  But Moses "implored the Lord", and asked for another chance for His people.  The Lord agreed, and down the mountain Moses went with the Law in hand, ready to REFORM God's people.

Pope Francis is not Moses, nor is he Francis of Assisi, or Xavier... He is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, of Argentina by way of Italian immigrant parents.  He seems to love serving the poor among us!  With his Jesuit education, he is NOT a push over, as I am sure he knows his faith, and the strong tradition of the Church.  He has come with the Law in his hands, and he will simply ask that we IMPROVE our ways, as we continue to do what we do for the greater glory of God, caring for ALL His people, finding Him in all things!

+AMDG+