When I first heard of our new Pope, I was sitting in the house. My 10 year came running in the house yelling, “We have a new Pope, we have a new Pope! Turn on the tv! There’s white smoke and the church bells are ringing!”
I immediately ran to the tv, but all I saw were newscasters talking about him. So I went to the trusty Internet and streamed the Vatican.
When I first saw him, not knowing anything and holding my breath, I felt relief. I don’t think it should matter what people look like, color of skin, size or age. But what does matter to me is the feeling I get when I look at a person.
I knew, right away, that this new Pope was for me. I had the same feeling looking at him that I always got looking at Pope John Paul. When Pope John Paul would speak, emotions would stir up in me. As a younger person I didn’t understand it. But as I got a little older, I realized it was the Holy Spirit. His whole essence was good and kind.
When I saw Pope Francis and he began to speak, I found myself grinning. He, for me, has that same essence. He has that same kindness in his face and voice. My relief was knowing that the Cardinals chose the right man for the job.
I don’t know the politics of the Vatican, nor do I claim to. I cannot quote Bible scripture or shove it down throats of people who could care less.. I do believe that I am a child of God and He has had His hand on my should since birth. I do believe in the stories in the Bible as I read then through a child’s eyes. Not the eyes of a jaded adult.
I don’t care about proof and research or
Big Bang’s. I just have faith. Faith is believing in what we cannot see.
In addition to being happy with our new Pope Francis, I have heard that today, Holy Thursday, he will go to the outskirts of Rome to the prison. He will then wash the feet of 12 prisoners as Jesus did on this day with His disciples.
I don’t know about anyone else, but just this one act of humility should send a message to the world. We are all equal in God’s eyes. We are all His children.
So tonight, Holy Thursday, when I am at mass watching 12 ordinary people have their feet washed by Fr. Bob, I will be thinking of what Jesus began prior to being persecuted. I will be thinking of Pope Francis and how he is continuing this act of humility and how right here, in my own little town, the tradition continues.
Many people out there in the Internet and elsewhere find it funny that us Roman Catholics believe in having a Pope or that t matters so much. They find it easy to make jokes and criticize. I feel sad for them. They will never know the love of Him and His grace.
So, hooray for Pope Francis.
And to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Easter!
