…the Pope is not one of us!
I am writing this article earlier in the week and before Pope Francis delivers his various speeches in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. I wish I had advance copies of his talks, but, alas, I do not!
I can only guess at his themes, but I am sure they will affirm what he has spoken on many times before.
I also wonder what the reaction might be in these various cities and, of course, across the world that is listening in as well.
Some may find him confusing, like the disciples are in today’s Gospel. They have been following Jesus for some time and have seen Him perform many miracles. However, they notice someone else doing the same wondrous things and ask Jesus about that person. “We saw someone doing great things but he is not one of us! What should we do?”
Jesus responds with a profound and very practical way to assess this “other person.” If he is doing good things, then we support him! Who could argue with that? All good behavior is blessed by God …so let it continue!
This may be the same sentiments expressed by those people in our country who are not religious or even anti-religious. They very much like this Pope’s outreach to the poor and his attitude of mercy to sinners, but these anti-religious people could, ironically, echo in effect the same words of the disciples, “This Pope is not of our company …but he is doing good things that we like! What should we do?”
The Gospel affirms all people everywhere, even non-religious people, should encourage good things from whatever source they arrive …even the Pope!
The Gospel also affirms we should cut out bad things wherever they appear. In remarkably graphic language the Gospel tells us, fairly strongly, to remove whatever part of us leads us to sin, and whatever prevents us from loving and caring for others as we were designed to do by God.
The Pope will probably offer some strong criticisms of various major problems today, and point out how the world is not adequately addressing global poverty, environmental care, religious freedom, and respect for human life at every age. He will ask all of us to remove whatever is getting in the way of our caring for the poor, the earth, and the unborn.
By simply being an authentic Catholic presence in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, the Pope will convince everyone that “he is one of us” and a voice that we should hear.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image By Tânia Rêgo/ABr (Agência Brasil) [CC BY 3.0 br], via Wikimedia Commons
Hopefully many will respond to his words of impowerment toward creating an environment of love, peace, and action in our country and our world. His words have truly touched me, and I can say that I have never been more proud to be a Catholic and an American!
I believe his visit will have lasting effects and continue to be a blessing for many people.
I was fortunate to hear most of the Holy Father’s talks. One can be impressed by the energy exhibited by a man of his age keeping a grueling schedule. One can also imagine how much preparation went into his talks. Issues were addressed in no uncertain terms but with gentleness and compassion for all.
What a great blessing to our Country that he visit us and teach us. We are glad to be one of his!
When Pope Francis was here, I think both St. Francis and Our Lord were especially present.
As Christ’s vicar on Earth, he has not mentioned “Jesus” since he went to America? Why?????
You might remember that the Pope said several highly public Masses attended by hundreds of thousands of people, and that all were televised by all the major networks. The name “Jesus” figures prominently, of course, in every Mass, and ever Mass has more power than any possible speech any person can give. When the Pope spoke to non-religious audiences, like the Congress and the UN, he spoke of our Christian values. There was no doubt he did that! This was similar to how St. Paul spoke to the Greeks in Athens. I don’t think there was any doubt that a Catholic Pope had come to America. I will also bet that many conversions will occur as a result of this visit, as well as those returning to the Catholic faith.
I also was able to listen to the Holy Father where ever he went, and was so touched by everything he said.
I had the T.V. on what ever room I went in, didn’t want to miss anything. I have never been so proud to be a Catholic and an American. Pope Francis is so blessed, you can feel it when you see him and when he talks and smiles !
Henry was saying he thought you would be there, I didn’t think so, but he did have me looking for you..
You were so right knowing what the Holy Father would be talking about, as you know by now.
He also did so good, with the very tight schedule he had. You could see how tired he was at times though, and that made me feel so bad for him.
It really would be a much better world if everyone actually listened to his words, and try to be better people.
Still missing you,
Marie and Henry
Hello!
I was actually offered a ticket to see him in Washington, but respectfully declined. I did see and meet him when I was at the November 2014 Synod in Rome and that was impressive. However, I knew that the experience in Washington would be very difficult, actually, because of the immense security procedures in place. At the end, I knew the very place to see everything was watching on TV, just like you!
Our precious Pope Francis is modeling to the world a person, of love, compassion, forgiveness, caring and his love is authentic and sooooooooooooooooo real, one can be immersed in it!!! and become one with it!! He is living the values of beauty, truth, compassion , joy which God created in our hearts to be lived out in our humanity!!! Pope Francis is love and all are drawn to his humble, beautiful, spiritual charisma!! The world is witnessing the beauty of Jesus’ love, reaching out to the poor, the immigrant, the marginalized, the student, the single, married couples, the family!!! To live is to love and help each other!! and make our homes and the world a place of caring and compassion!! The essence of living is loving with Jesus at it’s center in truth and beauty!! Love our Pope Francis, love our catholic faith and love our father Dave for bringing Jesus to us!!!
Love, franca and Dick
Yes, he makes everyone feel welcome!
How we would have wished that Father Joe would have been in Washington to experience the
elevation of Fr. Serra to a special place in the “Church Triumphant”.
Hearing again Fr. Joe’s often repeated motto of Serra’s, “siempre adelante” during the ceremony
was bittersweet but comforting. How good it is for our own saintly priest to be numbered among
one now recognized by the Church.
How good it is that you brought Fr. Joe to St. Paschal’s where he shared his message and his
goodness with all of us.
And how good it is that we have a truly pastoral Pope!
Siempre Adelante
Bob and Rose Mary
I just wanted to echo your lovely words about Fr. Joe.
I also wanted to share that I had a similar ache in my heart when I thought how wonderful it would have been for Fr. Joe to have experienced the elevation of Fr. Serra, here on American soil… but then I sensed the familiar, warm, peaceful presence that I felt so often when Fr. Joe was near; my sadness was immediately ‘transformed into Joy’ as I realized that he had the best seat in the house! Fr. Joe and Fr. Serra are together now, praying for us from ‘the center of the perfect will of Jesus’.
Yes, Fr. Joe had “the best seat in the house!” Thank you also for remembering his favorite phrase “place me in the center of the perfect will of Jesus.”
Thank you for those beautiful words about Fr. Joe. He was there, but just watching from a different view. I will never forget the wonderful years we had together at St. Paschal’s. I am deeply grateful that is where he was able to spend his final years.
We have an amazing Pope who makes me feel proud and honored to be a Catholic. This Pope does not place himself on a pedestal. He embodies and exemplifies the values that Jesus espoused: charity, altruism and humility. He walks and eats with the poor and indigent. The fact that he declined to dine with government officials in lieu of dining with the homeless shows where his values and loyalties lie. He is beloved not only by Catholics, but many, including agnostics and even atheists. God bless Pope Francis and may his model be the paradigm by which Catholics will go forth to spread the love and message of Christ.
Yes, I thought his change of dining with officials to dining with the poor was one of the most amazing events of the entire trip. That you for remembering that!
I have a co-worker that is not Christian or Catholic. She commented today on how much she likes Pope Francis. She called him a “cool pope”. It is amazing how many people admire him regardless of their religion.
My co-worker is also Chinese and we were discussing the eastern philosophy of Karma. I believe that Karma does exist. I have seen it happen to other people. If someone does harm to another person it eventually catches up with him. Does the Bible mention anything about us experiencing something similar to Karma?
The scriptures only affirm the importance of loving others no matter what they do to us. We love others and affirm them always.