Category: Editorial

Jesus was asleep as the winds tossed the bark and the waves put it in danger of sinking. The disciples were terrified and they called to the Lord (Mark 4:35–41). The wind obeyed His voice, fear vanished and calmness was restored. This image has been with me since the election of Pope Francis. Yes, it came at a very troubled moment for the ‘bark of Peter.’ Tremendous ‘waves’ of sex abuse, rumors of corruption, careerism and inefficiency, of faithful abandoning the Church, of discredit and unbelief…threatened to destroy the credibility and the efficacy of the Church in today’s society. But, at the right time, He is there, restoring calmness. I have no doubt that the election of Cardinal Bergoglio to the papacy was God’s work, and I think that’s why, almost at once, it was perceived by many as the so–much–needed ‘fresh breath of life’ into a seemingly tired Church.  Pope Francis has been bold, not only in his spirit filled words, but in his remarkable deeds. His call for a Church that is “poor and for the poor” was made visible – he refused to move into the Papal Palace, kept his black shoes, forego the red cape popes usually wear, kept the iron–plated pectoral cross he used as archbishop, and his papal fisherman’s ring isn’t gold but gold–plated silver, made from a mold created for Pope Paul VI. Moreover, Francis has bridged the gap – he ditched the bulletproof–glass–enclosed Popemobile and he rides around in an open–air white Mercedes jeep, never afraid of breaking protocol and frequently getting out greeting the crowds. Aren’t all these in sharp contrast with his titles? “His full title is ‘Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City.’” That’s a mouthful when “you are busy telling people you are at their service.” says Peter Stanford in Britain’s The Guardian. As the enthusiasm of the crowds at St. Peter Square shows no sign of dying down, I am delighted to see that Pope Francis has continually reached out, particularly, to youth, calling them to carry on the faith. In his usual audience, last April 24, he reached out to them: “Are there many young people? Where are they?” – the applause and cheers were thunderous from the youth present at the square. He continued – “Your lives are only just beginning and so I ask you this: Have you thought about the talents God has given you? … how to use them to serve others? … Life was not given to us for us to guard it zealously and keep it to ourselves, but to give it to others… don’t be afraid to dream of great things!” His first trip as pope, not coincidentally, is for the World Youth Day in Brazil. Pope Francis has found his way to lead

Lack of practice makes the job harder. The less one is committed to practicing, the harder the job will be. The runner who does not practice will, soon, run short of breath and quit the race. Jesus knew that, without His breath – the Holy Spirit – the disciples would not be able to carry on the mission entrusted to them. “Jesus said: ‘Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.’ Then He breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (Jn. 20:21–22). In these words, Jesus makes clear that the protagonist of mission is, indeed, the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Apostles break the chains of fear and despair and let themselves be led by that ‘fire’ of love and passion for the mission. The “Breath of Life” empowered the Apostles and made their mission life–giving, crossing borders of race, culture etnicity and spreading the fire of God’s love to all. Much has been said and written about the historic decision of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. And, during these days of Sede Vacante, speculation continues about the future of the Catholic Church. Profiles of the indispensible qualities of the Holy Father are listed – open–minded, wih great leadership skills, who likes to listen, a true servant of servants… Many prophets of doom point to this resignation as a clear sign of the collapse of the Catholic Church, while others see in it a tremendous gesture of humility of a man who, fully aware of his limits, trusted the work of the Spirit. In his farewell address to the College of Cardinals, Pope Benedict quoted one of his favorite theologians, Romano Guardini: “The Church is not an institution devised and built at table, but a living reality. She lives along the course of time by transforming herself, like any living being, yet her nature remains the same. At her heart is Christ.” At present, the instability and degradation of human life caused by the mounting obsession of a few for worldly power cannot be denied. In Syria the bloodshed continues; in Kenya, fear of great violence surrounds the period of elections; in the Philippines, as local elections approach, the almost daily killings no longer make it to the headlines…In such context, I believe, this eloquent decision of Pope Benedict XVI speaks of an assurance of faith that the Church does not depend on human power but, as a living being, it is nourished by the God’s living presence. In his final general audience, Pope Benedict stated: “I always knew that the Lord is in the barque, that the barque of the Church is not mine, not ours, but His – and He shall not let her sink. It is He, who steers her: to be sure, He does so also through men of His choosing, for He desired that it be so. This was and is a certainty that nothing can tarnish.” The ocean is vast, the sea may be rough at