He Used To Be the Pope pt. 2

Today's Readings

"I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds. - Jeremiah 17:10"

Today's post on the GregBlog is one to simply mark a moment in history, for today is the day that someone on this planet will fall asleep knowing that he used to be Pope.  I'm intrigued by the notion, and moved by the event.  Pope Benedict XVI leaves the Chair of St. Peter with a dedication in his heart to lead in a different way, through the way of prayer!

For the first time in nearly six centuries, and only if he reads a paper or watches a TV, a human being will be able to listen as people argue whether he was a good Pope or not.  He might wonder if the New Roman Missal will make a difference, or his series of books called Jesus of Nazereth will help the world understand the true Christ, or could he have done more to stop the evil of abuse in our Church.  He might wonder if he will be able to face the realities of aging and the continuing daily loss of physical ability.  Dare I say, for the first time in 600 years, a person who used to be Pope will have to grapple with the question, "Was it worth it?"

I have no doubt that the Lord and the Pope know it was!

Pope Benedict XVI will be measured like the rest of us, "according to his ways, [and] the merit of his deeds". (Jer. 17:10)  As we watch him exit the world stage , let us also review our life and purpose to this point.  Have we done enough to make a difference?  Have we helped the world understand the true Christ?  Could we do more to help stop evil?  Are we able to face the challenges of our lives?  Don't be like "the rich man" in Luke's Gospel, who waits until its too late to find out that poor Lazarus chose the better portion.  Do what you can do NOW to make this a better place!

God's speed Pope Benedict XVI... PRAY FOR US!

Thank You Pope Benedict!

He Used to Be the Pope!

Today's Readings

"Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 8:00pm Vatican time (1:00pm here at my house), Pope Benedict XVI will leave "the Chair of St. Peter", and retire as the Holy Father of the Catholic Church.  That chair will remain vacant until a new Pope is elected, most likely sometime in March.  For the first time in 600 years, there will be a person, living on this planet, who can say, I USED TO BE THE POPE!

Today (2-22-13) is the Feast of That Chair... The Chair of St. Peter.  Its a day where we reflect on the importance of the role of the Pope, not necessarily the person.  Its fair to say that there have been some interesting people to assume the role of Pope over the Millennia.  Some are Saints, and some are forgotten.  Some changed the world for the better, and some did not.  The fact remains, however, that the call of St. Peter, and all who would follow him, was to shepherd the flock, and lead the Church by good example!

Pope Benedict XVI is a good and decent man, and his leadership has brought the Church to where it is today.  Some may like that, some might not, but his example of humility, decency, and commitment to his faith have met the standard that authentic leadership demands.  I am praying for our Holy Father, and soon to be again, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.  May he continue to live for years to come as the man who "used to be the Pope", and as a model of faith, leading us by his example, which in this case will be a life of prayer and contemplation.

A GregBolt of Lightning

Today's Readings

"Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55: 10-11

This week, my parish is hosting it's Lenten Mission, with our special guest Fr. Oscar Lukefahr, a Vincentian Priest and director of the Catholic Home Study Service, from Perryville, Missouri.  He has a pretty decent series of books, and this week he is concentrating on prayer, based on his book We Pray. (See books from Fr. Luke)  Like a faithful Missourian, Fr. Luke shared a quote last night from Mark Twain: "It's amazing what God lets man get away with, when lightning is so cheap." Aside from the usual, and very genuine laughter that follows the utterance of any Twain quotation, this one made me say out loud, "That's fantastic!"

In a spirit of understanding the nature of prayer, my God has given us many examples to follow in this life of ours.  Christ himself, offered us his own prayer, calling on "Our Father", praising His name, and thanking him for our "daily bread", asking Him for strength in the face of temptation, and "deliverance from evil", showing us that God desires to be in relationship with His people.  

The Prophet Isaiah, offers the reason why Twain's God has no plan for striking us down with a low cost lightning bolt.  Just as the rain has a purpose for watering the earth, helping things grow, so to does God's Word seek to help us.  It's place and purpose allows us to know of His love, and get good at recognizing the goodness that comes from BEING, and being loved.  It gives us a vehicle for building a meaningful relationship, founded in trust and honesty.  It allows us to celebrate, and even complain without the fear of retribution.  Prayer is a lifelong conversation that seeks to guide us to the God who simply wants us to live, and love, and be loved forever and ever... Amen!

One Post Script on the Subject of Cheap Lightning: I'm sure that this picture taken just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his unique retirement from the Papacy was God's way of having a little fun, with Mark Twain at his side... Peace!

"Uh Oh!" :)