There has been much to keep our Catholic faith in the global news since the papal conclave that chose Pope Francis as the Holy Father. Two great virtues were exemplified in the unfolding of the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the selection of Pope Francis.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI showed the strength of his faith by listening to what he felt was the Message of God to his heart - and exemplified true humility in being detached from "power" of his papal position to now lead a quiet life of prayer for the needs of the world. It must have taken immense personal courage to take this decision which had not happened in over 6 centuries. For me, as a lay person, it brought home with great clarity the importance of everyone who serves in any capacity in our Lord's ministry to always listen to God's clear prompting in our hearts...and to follow it! We must have the inner personal courage to do what God wants of us not what the world expects of us.
Pope Francis truly inspired and brought a deep conviction into my heart as I watched on the Internet his first appeareance on the papal balcony in St. Peter's Square. Just seeing the thousands of people there and hearing his first simple words to the world. "Bueno sera" and then asking the people to pray for him touched my heart greatly - as I sat watching in front of my PC in India thousands of miles away! We were all witnessing such genuine humility and by his choice of name - our Holy Father's clear sign of his love for the poor - that the Church's focus is reach out to all those in need to know and experience the Love of God!
With all these amazing going-ons happening in the Vatican, the Season of Lent and Holy Week became a special opportunity for me to pray more intensely to live a Spirit-filled life. Am I offering the best of my efforts as a lay Catholic in being part of the NEW EVANGELIZATION? This had been the clarion call from Blessed Pope John Paul II to all Catholics and then also the challenge from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to all of us when he declared the Year of Faith. And Pope Francis reiterated this call too.
It is often said that "actions speak louder than words" and Pope Francis has shown us what he wants the Catholic Church to be. It is not to be a church of "rigid heirarchy" and "traditions" - it is a reaching out to the world in simplicity with Christ's Love spontaneously flowing from our hearts! I felt many emotions as a lay Catholic and I also read many online articles of what so-called "experts" were saying Pope Francis should do to make the needed changes for the Catholic Church. Yet, Pope Francis did not bother with what was being said or expected of him. It was very clear seeing/reading of all his heart-touching acts he did from the moment he came onto the balcony the first time just dressed simply in his white papal vestments only!
All I can share is how moved I am by Pope Francis and what is his vision of the NEW EVANGELIZATION. I feel re-energized by the Holy Spirit to dare to give my all in whatever God is asking of me. Many Catholics like me are feeling inspired with hope for a revitalized Catholic Church! But for that to happen, we cannot just expect Pope Francis and the cardinals, bishops and priests to bring about the change. Every one of us must be willing to dare try new initiatives and efforts in NEW EVANGELIZATION for the Glory of our God! I realized I did not need to worry or fear about my human limtations but to have faith in this Promise of God's Word - "because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." ( Philippians 2:13)
We are called to be saints. Well, I used to often think before that saints are some "practically perfect" human beings so there was NO chance for someone like me to even imagine I could ever be a saint! Yet, as I read and learn about saints, I have realized it is their extraordinary love for Jesus and most of all their willingness to do anything for the Love of God - to be His witness and to make Him known to others that is so amazing.
Am I doing that? Well, I may have thought I was doing all I could possibly do in my present circumstances but God has His own plans and I am ready to take the step of faith - to have the courage to dream and dare to answer the Call of God in my heart.
Pentecost is in a few weeks and as I am currently on vacation, it has been a time of relaxation with much solitude to truly enjoy the beautiful creations of God. There is so much beauty all around the world - yet often I just take it for granted. These past few weeks, I feel like St. Francis of Assisi as I "treasure" seeing all the animals and birds living happily enjoying springtime...indeed, the Presence of God all around me is unmistakable!
The YouTube music video below is a collation of Inspiring Quotes of Holy Men and Women of God set to the music "THE LIGHT IN ME" sung by Brandon Heath.
Are you ready be empowered by God's Spirit to reach out to others in this Year of Faith?
May we be willing instruments to initiate efforts to spread goodwill to the world!
"What is impossible for men is possible for God."
(Luke18:27)
