We have a new pope! Pope Francis, who is a Jesuit and formerly Archbishop of Buenos Aires. I am elated by the news for I have, like millions around the world, been praying for our next shepherd these last two weeks.
That he is named for Francis of Assisi, a saint I admire for his radicality in embracing poverty is encouraging. By all accounts, Pope Francis lives out this virtue of humility daily, to the point of taking the bus to work.
I look forward to how our newly minted pontiff will guide us through the waters of change. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI pointed out when he stepped down, Christ has not left the boat and the Holy Spirit will continue to be the wind the steers the Church forward even in vastly troubled times.
We are reminded, more than ever, as we approach the end of Lent and begin meditating on the Passion, that our beliefs can lead to crucifixion for we believe in the crucified Christ. Thus the question of What is truth is fundamental to how we live out our faith.
Is there truth in our beliefs? Or do we let relativism colour our thoughts, words and actions?
The Woman to Woman Ministry is reflecting on Pilate this Friday and how Pilate asked that question of Jesus, without making a full-hearted attempt at pursuing truth to the end.
Here is a man who obviously knew that Jesus had not committed any crime that required Him to be put to death. And yet, he allowed the fear of revolt and political chaos guide him to sacrifice the life of one innocent man.
Are we like Pilate, swayed by the lay of the land, the zeitgeist of our social, professional and political worlds, to make decisions that have no truth in them? Or do we live according to what our conscience dictates, with no fear of persecution or hate?
Pope Francis will, no doubt, face future criticism for pushing the agenda of truth in a world whose beliefs are tainted by growing secularism and crumbling morality, thus my prayer for him is for continued good health, supernatural courage and abundant humility in the months and years ahead.
Viva il Papa.
That he is named for Francis of Assisi, a saint I admire for his radicality in embracing poverty is encouraging. By all accounts, Pope Francis lives out this virtue of humility daily, to the point of taking the bus to work.
I look forward to how our newly minted pontiff will guide us through the waters of change. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI pointed out when he stepped down, Christ has not left the boat and the Holy Spirit will continue to be the wind the steers the Church forward even in vastly troubled times.
We are reminded, more than ever, as we approach the end of Lent and begin meditating on the Passion, that our beliefs can lead to crucifixion for we believe in the crucified Christ. Thus the question of What is truth is fundamental to how we live out our faith.
Is there truth in our beliefs? Or do we let relativism colour our thoughts, words and actions?
The Woman to Woman Ministry is reflecting on Pilate this Friday and how Pilate asked that question of Jesus, without making a full-hearted attempt at pursuing truth to the end.
Here is a man who obviously knew that Jesus had not committed any crime that required Him to be put to death. And yet, he allowed the fear of revolt and political chaos guide him to sacrifice the life of one innocent man.
Are we like Pilate, swayed by the lay of the land, the zeitgeist of our social, professional and political worlds, to make decisions that have no truth in them? Or do we live according to what our conscience dictates, with no fear of persecution or hate?
Pope Francis will, no doubt, face future criticism for pushing the agenda of truth in a world whose beliefs are tainted by growing secularism and crumbling morality, thus my prayer for him is for continued good health, supernatural courage and abundant humility in the months and years ahead.
Viva il Papa.
No comments:
Post a Comment