The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #110465 Message #2318421
Posted By: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
17-Apr-08 - 01:26 PM
Thread Name: BS: Pope's visit to DC/US
Subject: RE: BS: Pope's visit to DC/US
As I ponder the wisdom of "Be in the world, but not of the world" my thoughts reflect on events such as this, and the recent booing of President Bush, not so long ago. Our ancestors understood the fundamental need for order and propriety, dignity, respect. And so institutions, governments, and laws were put in place.
For many, the Pope is a connection, or at least a representation of a connection to that which is of the highest order in the universe. Are we to belittle that? Trash that? Are we not then merely demoralizing ourselves? While we might not agree on the policies, and wonder at the improprieties that have taken place within the Church, it affords us an opportunity to at least be in contact, in a small way, with that which represents good.
I used to wonder at the Religions of the world. The prayer that took place at regular intervals throughout the day. Curious that. But then, you need only read a newspaper, watch T.V., or consider some of the dialogue that takes place on Mudcat, YouTube, and other forums on the Internet, and you begin to realize the necessity of such practices.
Your world, what is it like? Is it dominated by fear? The "He's got more than me, so I have to..." mentality. Are we to be dominated by the gun? The thief? The unscrupulous?
For me, I turn my thoughts to the message, "All things good, all things beautiful, think on these things." They never did say though, how much work that would be...
For the last 18 years or so before my mother, Bless her heart, passed on, she would always remind me, especially at Easter, "Bobby. You know Pope John Paul II is our cousin...Not close, 2nd cousin. But we are related." And I would joke, "Aw Ma, how can that be? He never even came over to the house when he was in Montreal." LOL So, this went on for most of my life. Then she was gone...
And so I watched Jean Paul II get shot, then forgiving his assailant, hearing his confession...Then, watching him grow old and feeble, standing on that balcony, still Blessing the faithful... Then his funeral, with the "M" on the coffin, for "Mary" to whom he was devoted... I don't think you can be human and watch that without respect and admiration...
And now, a new Pope has taken his place. May he be guided by the Great Spirit that guides us all...