I haven’t had an opportunity to see all Francis’ speeches
or read through them yet, but I have kept up with the highlights of his visit
to the United States. I don’t know how
you’ve reacted to what the Vicar of Christ has had to say, but his words have certainly
made me squirm a bit and somewhat uncomfortable. I find his words refreshing – not that he is
saying anything new, - saying things I haven’t heard before. I find them a refreshing reminder of our baptismal
call as disciples of Jesus Christ, children of the One God: Father of us all. He, who’s Holy Spirit fills us, so we may
live in His love.
Francis reminds us to love one another as we are loved by
God. He reminds us that we are called to
express our love for God in how well we love “The Other” – the least of His
children: the poor, the vulnerable, the forgotten. Our love of God is made manifest in our love
for those who are helpless, lost and despairing – the ones damaged by life and left
behind by the grind of this world.
Francis reminds us that we are God’s heralds – called to
bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. Jesus’ message of salvation and
reconciliation with God, our Father needs to be heard by everyone. His disciples are called, - we are called, -
to go out into the world, especially those dark lonely corners - to bring His
Good News to our brothers and sisters trapped in the grip of the evil one. We are called to speak the words of truth and
life in the shadows, so those who live in despair may find hope and walk in the
light of Christ.
(And) Just as God gave Adam responsibility for care of
the Garden of Eden and all the plants and animals that dwell within, His
Holiness reminds us of our responsibility of the stewardship of the God’s gift
of this world. This too, is how we love
God in our love for one another, by ensuring that this gift to all people – our
earthly home – is kept healthy, vibrant and nurturing - for all people today
and for all future generations – until the Lord returns to bring us into our
new home – His heavenly kingdom. How
well we care for our earthly home and share its bounty with one another is our
legacy of love for our children, their children and their children’s children -
until the end time.
By the crowds we see wherever the Pope goes we encouraged
by how he inspires people, this remarkable man, this Vicar of Christ. Francis attracts so many by his life of love
for others and his humble simplicity. As
far as discipleship goes – Francis is the real thing!
It is our hope and prayer that the upsurge of attention Francis
brings to the Catholic Church will translate into genuine conversions, returns
and renewals in Jesus Christ and His Church. But Francis cannot do this alone. He encourages each one of us to follow the
words of our Lord and Savior, to live out our baptism, by going forth to “make
disciples of all nations.” Francis
reminds us that we are called by Jesus to bring the Good News to the
world.
This is what I find refreshing in the words of Francis –
his reminder of that Jesus calls all of us to live out our vocation as disciples by loving as
we are loved by sharing His Word of salvation, so all might be saved. ~Amen.
Peace,
Deacon Don
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