This will be your millionth article to read about the Pope and his recent remarks.
My husband said to me today, “Even the sports radio guys were talking about the Pope today!” and then he added, “I actually think the guy that was talking about him was a Jewish Atheist!”
Along those same lines, in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, Mary Schmich wrote about the Pope’s remarks and how everyone is weighing in with comments. People of all religions and backgrounds are watching the Pope. She explains, “The Catholic Church is far more than a church. It’s one of the world’s most potent political, social and moral forces. We’re all invested in it.”
I am beyond excited about Pope Francis and the way he is “walking the talk”.
He has said and done so many beautiful things but in the most recent interview that is catching all of the attention, I have picked out some of my faves. The actual article is long and worth a read when you have time because it’s all really great but I just wanted to highlight a few key points that you may not have heard specifically. Here they are: (the “bolding” is all me)
- “The church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all.”
- “The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives.”
- “Religion has the right to express its opinion in the service of the people, but God in creation has set us free: it is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person.”
I have been a Catholic all my life and many times I have felt a chasm between what I know to be the truth of the Gospel and what was “out there” about the Catholic Church. People would talk about things the Catholic Church says and does and I would think “that’s not me” but if I said I was Catholic then I was defined by the way the church was perceived.
I can’t tell you how much it means to have the highest representative of the church speak boldly about the Gospel and God’s saving grace and mercy and love.
He’s the real deal.
When he was asked about prayer, he explained all the ways he prays and then he said this, “But above all, I also know that the Lord remembers me. I can forget about him, but I know that he never, ever forgets me.”
That one sentence brought me to tears…grateful tears for his relationship with God, for his understanding of freedom in Christ, for his knowing. I am grateful for his obedience and for his authentic witness, for his laughter and his comfortable way of being. I’m grateful for the way he moves in love and speaks boldly with courage.
I am grateful to God for giving us this leader at this time in this place because we need him.
Already he has made the world seem a little warmer and more welcoming…more joyful, more hopeful and kind.
When asked about the future of the church, he said, “We must walk united with our differences: there is no other way to become one. This is the way of Jesus.”
Amen, people…A-men!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. –Romans 8:1-2
©2013 Sue Bidstrup, Great Big YES™ All Rights Reserved
I wondered how you were feeling about all this. I have heard some statements reported that make me a little nervous, but I haven’t taken the time to actually read a transcript of the whole script. Thanks for your “take”!
Wonderful Sue,
Yesterday in my class the Professor spent a good amount of time talking about Francis and the changes he is making that no one sees. How great is that!
I love the way he has told his Bishops to do what they are meant to do, minister to their flocks, I love the fact he is such a humble pastoral person and wants to embrace everyone just as Jesus did. Thank you!