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April 02, 2005
The Pope is dead, long live the Pope.
The passing of John Paul II marks the end of both an era and a remarkable life. This is the man, whose Papacy began with more than half of Europe under the slavery of Communism, and whose determined and fearless opposition to the oppresive governments of his homeland and his fellow Christians everywhere helped in no small way to bring about its demise. He was a man of iron determination, survived an assasination attempt, and did not allow illness and encroaching age to stand in the way of his ministry.
In St Paul's Cathedral in London, Sir Christopher Wren's modest tomb is inscribed with the latin inscription which translates to read, "If you seek his monument, look about you." It is an inscription which will fit this Pope very well indeed.
He has steered the Roman Catholic Church through some very difficult and dark times. It is emerging as a stronger and better Church, and it is not just his own flock who have benefited and changed, because his influence has had an impact on every Christian community and church, whether they like to admit it or not. I suggest that his monument will be the mark he has made on every Christian, Roman Catholic or not, for he has left his mark! There are few of us who have not heard his words, read his thoughts, or prayed his prayers at some time. That influence reaches deep, far deeper than any denominational or sectarian divide can ever go.
I grieve for a great man of God, a fearless "Soldier of Christ". Sure, he has upset a lot of people, certainly he was reactionary in his views on a number of issues, but at least he could never be accused of "selling out" or of "abandoning his principles". He will stand in the history books as one of the "Great" Popes, of that I am sure.
It is sad that he had so much to endure in his last years, Parkinson's Disease is a particularly degrading way to die, as it robs you of your dignity, your speech, and leaves your intellect trapped in a body that no longer functions, unable to communicate or to interact effectively with others. For that reason, I rejoice that he has been released from that suffering and now rests, as I am sure he does, among the Saints in heaven.
His successor will have a difficult and trying set of challenges to face in his turn. We can only hope that the Holy Spirit will guide the Cardinals in their selection and give us another man equal to the challenge.
Requisecat in Pacem, Papa Johannes Paulus Secundi.
Give thanks to God for the life and witness of this great Christian soul. May he rest in peace and rise with the Saints in glory.
Amen
Posted by The Gray Monk at April 2, 2005 09:05 PM
Comments
Amen.
Posted by: Ozguru at April 2, 2005 09:34 PM
Yes, I cannot agree more to all you said about the great Pope John Paul II. May his tribe increase as the saying goes. I believe, however, that it might have been his subordinates, not the great pope himself, who made it difficult, at times impossible, for priests who are tired and fed up to be formally returned to the lay state. It is a rule of thumb that the church will be infinitely better when such priests are eased out especially at their own request.
Thanks and God bless
Felix Nwatu
Posted by: Felix Nwatu at May 8, 2005 01:58 PM