Watching on
TV the inauguration of POPE FRANCIS last March 19, 2013, I have been reflecting
on how he would be God’s instrument in addressing the many problems and
concerns of the Catholic Church in the world today.
What struck
me in his personality is his simplicity and humility. It is said that he chose the name FRANCIS
because he would like to somehow exemplify the lifestyle of St. Francis of
Assisi. Hence, as much as possible he
disregarded many conventional practices which would accord him honor and
prestige due to his exalted position as the Head of Catholic Church throughout
the whole world.
In simple
words he said that the “MISSION OF THE CHURCH IS TO BRING CHRIST TO MAN”. In his inaugural address he stressed the
obligation of all men to help all mankind, especially the poor, the weak and
the helpless. This is an obligation for
all men, regardless of whatever may be one’s religious denomination.
It is said
that the main cause of underdevelopment in this world is that “WE ARE NEIGHBORS, BUT NOT BROTHERS!”. Hence, the appeal of our Holy Father, Pope
Francis, is simply to make people realize that GOD IS OUR FATHER AND WE ARE ALL
HIS CHILDREN. This realization could
bring about the following changes in our social life in this world:
1. That the resources of this world will be equitably
distributed to satisfy the needs of all men.
2. That the power invested on people with positions of authority
will be used to “serve and not to be served”.
3. That the laws of nature will be respected in using the
resources of mother earth.
4. That every man in this world will have the attitude of being
a “BROTHER’S KEEPER” to his neighbor.
5. That the goal of all worthwhile endeavors will be to “MAKE
THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.”
I hope that GOD will continue to
bless the WORDS and DEEDS of our HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS, and thus
empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT bring about the above mentioned changes in our world today.
by: Buddy Cagurangan
March 22, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment