Pope Francis-Doing It His Way

I just read an interesting article from the Catholic News Service blog titled, "De-coding Francis: Vatican Media Adviser Offers '10 Things To Know.'" It was recommended by Peggy Clores who works in Adult Faith Formation at Our Lady of Mercy Parish on Long Island. Peggy has an extensive email blast list, which I'm on, and she is great at evangelizing and using technology to get the word out.
Anyhow, she just sent out a few recommended articles and the one I just mentioned was on it.
Pope Francis is a blessing to the Church, in my opinion, and it seems his election as Pope came at the right time in history. Some people might be confused by how he does things or what he says, but the bottom line is that he is showing authenticity, simplicity, God's unconditional love and the mercy of God which is what Christians need to show to each other.
In the article, Greg Burke, who attended Jesuit schools, and is the Senior communications adviser to the Vatican's Secretariat of State, was quoted as saying, "Pope Francis is not a politically-correct Pope rather he is a 'loyal son of the Church' who presents the hard truths with a heavy dose of mercy." Mercy, the entire New Testament is filled with acts of mercy. A heavy dose of mercy is what God is all about and so since Pope Francis is the human head of the Church on Earth he should imitate the Divine head of the Church, Jesus Christ. He's got it right. In life you can never please everyone.
As someone pointed out in the comments section of the article, Jesus was not politically correct. He socialized with the marginalized in society, reached out to the outcasts and broken and understood and forgave sinners. Pope Francis has his own style, he's comfortable in his own skin and he knows that the Church in the modern world has to become alive and relevant to the young.
He's doing a great job. His mark is everywhere in the Church. I was recently at a Church function and there was a long line to get lunch. Someone asked the priest-presenter if he would like to cut the line, instead of waiting on the long line. He said, "No, I'm learning from the Pope, I would never cut the line, I'll just wait my turn"......and he did. In big ways and in small ways this Pope is bringing about change, and bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the priesthood and the papacy.
Veni, Sanctus, Spiritus!
NJA

Americans Don't Want War-The Pope Doesn't Want War

According to a poll that I took part of, the majority of Americans do not want to get involved in another Middle East war. I feel the same way. I, like the majority of Americans are appalled and dismayed by the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons against its own people. It's horrific that at this time in history, (at any time)that the killing of innocent civilians in a cruel and inhuman way has taken place.  But the majority of Americans are wary of war, wars that can't be won, wars that have uncertain outcomes and will inflame more hatred towards Americans and our allies.
As I wrote in my last blog post, it says in the Bible, "Seek peace and pursue it." War should always be a last resort, after every other sort of diplomacy has been tried, in my opinion.
During a town hall meeting, Senator John McCain faced a difficult crowd, who were mostly against the U.S. getting involved in a war with Syria. People held up signs saying, "Security through peace," and "Don't bomb Syria."
The Bishops and of course Pope Francis agree that President Obama should not bomb Syria, but try diplomatic solutions. Pope Francis will hold a prayer vigil on Saturday night at the Vatican, to pray for peace and bishops throughout the world will hold prayer vigils as well.
The Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, LI, will hold a Prayer Service from 1:00-5:00 PM,  during the day on Saturday to pray for peace, in accordance with the Pope's wishes (and at the request of Bishop Murphy).   The Pope has asked Catholics and non-Catholics alike to spend the weekend in prayer and fasting for peace. Let's hope these prayers affect the hearts and minds of those in power, who have killed innocent children and convert them to compassion and love for others. May they see the darkness in their lives. And may President Obama find another way to stop extremists, other than war.
NJA

Let the cry for peace rise up across the Earth!
War never again! Never again war!
Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace.
Pope Francis