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Catholics: Your views on new pope
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- Posted February 13, 2013 by
- Stedhoscope Follow
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Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton, New Zealand
Assignment
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A not so ordinary day
Tuesday afternoon was like any other day for me. I walked home from the bus and enjoyed the warm summer afternoon sun. It had been a long day and I’d spent most of it in front of the computer. So, by 5pm, I was rather dazed to say the least. On arriving home, my friend, who opened the door said to me, “Have you heard about the Pope?” She could immediately tell from the confused look I had, that I had no clue. In my mind, I thought, “O, God! I pray he’s not sick… or worse.. dea…”
“He’s resigned,” exclaimed my friend cutting me off in mid-thought. Well, that was not something I would have thought of in a million years! Being a convert and therefore, young in the faith, I’d had no clue that such a thing was even possible. Within no time, I was reading the Holy Father’s words from my tablet announcing his resignation for myself just to make sure that my friend had not been mistaken. It turned out the rest of the world was just as shocked as I was, if not more.
I was sad, because I love the Pope and I felt a sense of loss of someone who I cared for and had prayed for everyday since I became Catholic. But as I read his words and those of other Cardinals, Heads of State and Christian faithful, expressing their support and love for him, I felt hope. I was reminded that despite and in spite of everything, Pope Benedict had lead the Church, with courage and great love in difficult times and always with a smile. Old age is not a bed of roses. My grandmother is 86 years old and the last few years have been nothing less than a battle despite the fact that she is a strong woman.
The fact that he is the first Pope in history to resign without any pressure whatsoever – of his own free will - is a show of great courage and humility. He knew that his resignation would be a shock to all and would be an opportunity for those who do not see eye to eye with him to hound him – yet, he was at peace and went ahead with the his decision. Many pressured Blessed John Paul II to resign due to his failing health. And now, many are persecuting the Holy Father for choosing to resign due to his failing health. You can’t win them all I guess.
Dr. Scott Hahn’s reflection on Pope Benedict’s visit to Pope Celestine’s tomb in 2009 and 2010 now shines a light on something that, at the time, went unnoticed to the world. In the meantime, I continue, as always, to pray for the Pope in his last few weeks as the Vicar of Christ and also pray for the new Pope.
“He’s resigned,” exclaimed my friend cutting me off in mid-thought. Well, that was not something I would have thought of in a million years! Being a convert and therefore, young in the faith, I’d had no clue that such a thing was even possible. Within no time, I was reading the Holy Father’s words from my tablet announcing his resignation for myself just to make sure that my friend had not been mistaken. It turned out the rest of the world was just as shocked as I was, if not more.
I was sad, because I love the Pope and I felt a sense of loss of someone who I cared for and had prayed for everyday since I became Catholic. But as I read his words and those of other Cardinals, Heads of State and Christian faithful, expressing their support and love for him, I felt hope. I was reminded that despite and in spite of everything, Pope Benedict had lead the Church, with courage and great love in difficult times and always with a smile. Old age is not a bed of roses. My grandmother is 86 years old and the last few years have been nothing less than a battle despite the fact that she is a strong woman.
The fact that he is the first Pope in history to resign without any pressure whatsoever – of his own free will - is a show of great courage and humility. He knew that his resignation would be a shock to all and would be an opportunity for those who do not see eye to eye with him to hound him – yet, he was at peace and went ahead with the his decision. Many pressured Blessed John Paul II to resign due to his failing health. And now, many are persecuting the Holy Father for choosing to resign due to his failing health. You can’t win them all I guess.
Dr. Scott Hahn’s reflection on Pope Benedict’s visit to Pope Celestine’s tomb in 2009 and 2010 now shines a light on something that, at the time, went unnoticed to the world. In the meantime, I continue, as always, to pray for the Pope in his last few weeks as the Vicar of Christ and also pray for the new Pope.
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