RBWords

     I'm sure at least some of my congregation may be following some of the events of the World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain.  A major feature of this enormous gathering of young people from around the world under Catholic auspices is a visit from the Holy Father.  Blessed John Paul II made good use of these events.  He had been an amateur actor in his youth and knew how to "be on stage."   His successor is not quite as dramatic but nevertheless is aware of the powerful impact of the presence of the Pope at an event of this nature. It is a fantastic pulpit!

     Jesus' words, quoted above, come in response to Peter's reply to the question posed by Jesus:  "Who do you say that I am?"  Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" becomes the basic message of all his successors.  Pope Benedict XVI will be bringing that message simply by being present to the huge gathering of youth.  Ultimately that is the point of the papacy - not to "run the church" but to proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  From that profession of faith comes everything else in the church.

     History shows that not every successor of Peter has been a very good or successful messenger, but a fair reading will show that for the last 100 years or so, the Popes have been remarkable men.  Their responsibility is as crushing as their "power" is great.  We do pray for the Pope at every celebration of the Eucharist.  A given Pope at a given moment in history may not be our favorite, but we in the church must encourage whoever holds that office to continue to proclaim the truth about Jesus.  AMEN