The Next Pope

 

I typically put off watching big Hollywood movies of Catholic events like the Passion. I know, I'm like the only person left that hasn't seen Mel Gibson's movie.

But, the problem is, when I see something so powerful and thought-provoking, it tends to stick with me, and I'd prefer to have the actual gospels running through my head, rather than Hollywood's version of them. (Although, I do like "The Chosen.")

When "The Conclave" came out, I thought it might be interesting, but then I read some (misinformed as it turns out) opinions about the ending. Nope, I decided, not interested. Another typical bait-and-switch movie, creating naive, Catholic leaders.

But then, one of my brothers saw it and he encouraged me to see it, contradicting what I had read online. Since I trust him, I decided to see it.

I'm glad I did. It was quite good. And the ending wasn't anything like I had heard it was going to be, so I was not offended at all. I won't spoil it for you, but I thought it was well done.

I do actually know better than to listen to many online opinions about Catholic stuff (or anything, really.) Whenever I hear someone say, "The Pope said . . ." I go directly to the source to see what he actually said, in context, because sometimes people who do not know the nuances of Catholic thought just don't get it right. And then some, of course, intentionally skew the facts (even Catholics with an agenda.)

That being said, I have watched some very good, honest interviews about Pope Francis' papacy, by people who do "get it." They kindly addressed some of the confusion stirred up by his seemingly "off the cuff" comments and directives that caused people to say he was taking the Church in the wrong direction.

The truth is, Pope Francis was a good, holy Pope. He might not have always been as clear as we would have liked, but nobody doubted his love of people, especially the poor, and his desire to be all-inclusive. He was an outstanding example of what it means to be a Christian.

The question now, of course, is who will become the next Pope, and what his "ideology" will be. His "ideology" of course, must be sound Catholic theology.

One of the interviewees said something that I think is right on. The next Pope should be one who preaches the resurrection and doesn't get lost on the issues of the day. He needs to stay focused on the message he has been elected to share with the world.

From there, he must continue to lead the Church accordingly. Naturally he cannot avoid concerns associated with politics, as he must speak out on rising issues that impact human rights and so forth.

But as the preeminent moral leader/teacher of the world, the Pope must present the way of Jesus to the world, without regard for anyone's personal bent.

Please don't call the Pope liberal or conservative. Those designations do not apply to him. They are too limiting, and decidedly political. Giving the Pope such a caricature is indefensible.

Just remember, the Holy Spirit is at work here and that gives us great confidence that the next Pope will be just the man the Church needs, as Peter was when Jesus appointed him so very many years ago.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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Silence in the face of indecency

 

Like so many of you, I suppose, I was disheartened to see the President post a picture of himself as Pope. Some people identified it as a joke, others were offended.

I think the lesson for all of us has to do with respect. Respect for the living, respect for those who have died, and respect for the leader of the Church.

I was at a church meeting many, many years ago and I watched as an adult man made a disparaging remark towards a member of our parish, who is not of American descent.

I was shocked. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. The lack of respect that was exhibited due to this person's ethnicity was sickening. 

And what was the response of the attendees at that meeting, including myself? Silence. Nobody held him accountable. Everyone just let it slide and moved on. 

Which is worse, what he said, or our silence?

Today, I believe, I would never let something like that slide, but I wasn't as mature as I am today, and I wasn't even sure I heard what I thought I heard.

Whether it is a disrespectful picture, an insulting comment, or simply a lack of common decency, the way we treat each other reflects who we are as a human being, as a nation, and as a child of God.

We need to become a nation of people who exercise decency, in all things--clothing, language, behavior and especially our treatment of others.

Perhaps the President thought he was being clever, since he told someone recently that he'd like to be Pope, but, as a Catholic, I found it to be an insensitive, inappropriate thing to do, especially after we had just lost a beloved member of our family.

Be kind and consider what you say and what you do, toward your family members and strangers. Pray for forgiveness for those you have hurt, intentionally or even unknowingly.

We can all do better, don't you think? 

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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A Supernatural Way of Living

 

 

In the 38th chapter of Sirach, there is an outline of the "Vocations of Skilled Workers."

As it describes the farmer, the engraver, the iron smith and the potter, it says, "All these are skilled with their hands, each one an expert at his own work; Without them no city could be lived in and wherever they stay, they do not go hungry."

Further, it says, "they maintain the fabric of the world, and their concern is for exercise of their skill."

The key, I think, is that we ask God to help us adopt a spiritual, supernatural way of living. No matter what we do, if we are aware of God walking beside us, our lives will be transformed.

Instead of allowing material things & work to distract us, let them become secondary to us living in the presence of God. As we do what we must, let us do it out of our love for others. The more we see God in each other, the more we will develop a supernatural way of living.

If you pour your love out into the world, on everyone you encounter, you will notice an increase in your sense of God's presence in your life.

Happy Easter! 

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
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