Being as I am so new to the Church that any real history is absent, in that way I have been allowed to come to Christ as a child (Matthew 18:3) and was jubilant and both applauded and cheered as the smoke poured out of the pipe and then, about 40 minutes later, as the new Pope stepped out onto the balcony. | |
My admiration for John Paul II predates my conversion (or perhaps, in retrospect, began my conversion), but I am still feeling such a loss at his death that it is hard to revel in the celebration of the new Pontificate. I do have to say that, of the palpabili, I was simultaneously excited and frightened by the idea of Cardinal Ratzinger ascending to the Papacy. So I am trying to position myself with monitored enthusiasm. I finished RISE, LET US BE ON OUR WAY the night before the election (an appropriate coincidence), and on page 165 Pope John Paul II writes about Ratzinger: "I thank God for the presence and assistance of this great man, who is a trusted friend." So, in having the respect I do for John Paul, I feel I must place my doubt aside and lean towards hope for the future. It is my wish that we all, too, may someday echo John Paul II's sentiment. | |
Copyright©2005 jdwarrick |
Reflections of the inner light. Discerning a vocation as a lay contemplative Franciscan. Occasionally mendicant. A long time moving down the road of spiritual awareness in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. Slowly waking, looking around. Writing about the journey. Inspired by Jesus and the Apostles, Francis and Clare, Thich Nhat Hahn, and His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Simple reflections of a journey. Welcome, come walk for a bit.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Considering His Holiness Benedict XVI
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