All of America has been entranced with the visit of Pope Francis to our shores. The news stations have covered his reflections with mostly gracious and sensitive commentary. Thousands and thousands of people have been moved and touched by his presence and his words.
Like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the words of Pope Francis are simple and direct, lacking political rhetoric or intentional manipulative verbiage. Yet these very simple and direct words have deeply touched those with faith, and perhaps, even those without it. It is a reminder that it is not the quantity or quality of words that are important, but the truth of the message behind the words.
What is most striking about his words, his presence, the tone he sets is not his beliefs on particular issues. What is most palpable is that he is reminding us all that holiness lives and matters. In the midst of politicians, diverse American Catholics, families, believers and unbelievers, Republicans and Democrats, he is captivating the culture with the fact that holiness is more compelling than getting people to agree on controversial issues, or being sure that everyone can lobby for their specific points of interest, or manipulating situations to fulfill certain objectives. He just authentically brings us all into the conversation of godly life.
For that, perhaps, we might all just "Look Well Within" with a little more intention. We might find that we are changed as a result and because we are changed, the world is changed. That is no small feat, but one which is at the core of Jesus' message.
Like Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the words of Pope Francis are simple and direct, lacking political rhetoric or intentional manipulative verbiage. Yet these very simple and direct words have deeply touched those with faith, and perhaps, even those without it. It is a reminder that it is not the quantity or quality of words that are important, but the truth of the message behind the words.
What is most striking about his words, his presence, the tone he sets is not his beliefs on particular issues. What is most palpable is that he is reminding us all that holiness lives and matters. In the midst of politicians, diverse American Catholics, families, believers and unbelievers, Republicans and Democrats, he is captivating the culture with the fact that holiness is more compelling than getting people to agree on controversial issues, or being sure that everyone can lobby for their specific points of interest, or manipulating situations to fulfill certain objectives. He just authentically brings us all into the conversation of godly life.
For that, perhaps, we might all just "Look Well Within" with a little more intention. We might find that we are changed as a result and because we are changed, the world is changed. That is no small feat, but one which is at the core of Jesus' message.
RSS Feed
