I can't really explain how I feel about these last few days. I am filled with awe. I have a desire to be holier and so much more knowledgeable in my faith.
I want to go deeper, to preach better to serve more generously. I want to give my life more freely to God and his people. There are all kinds of emotions in my heart. They swirl around in my being and I find it difficult to unravel them let alone understand them.
I am not a man moved easily I am not one to scream at rock stars yet I am so moved at the presence of Pope Benedict here on our campus. I want to learn more about him. I want to read his works I want to understand them as best as I can. I want to share them with others.
"I am with you always until the end of time" Jesus promised in the Gospel of Matthew. Yes he his and while I have always respected and been most grateful for the ministry of St. Peter passed down from generation to generation... I have a new understanding and awe of place that Peter's ministry should have in my own life. The Pope who teaches without fear, the Pope who embraces the world, the Pope who protects us from error, the Pope who unites us and is the guarantor to the communion (small c) we all share in the Church.
I need to think and I need to pray more fervently what do you want me to do Lord.
hmmmm.... so much to think about indeed
Overwhelmed... trying to figure it out.
Oh by the way the morning after the Pope left our Campus I went with Fr. O'Connell to the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast where President Bush made an apperance. He spoke about the importance of Catholic Schools and the incredible gift the Church is to our country. I was impressed by what he said and the manner with which he spoke but..... there was no comparison.
2 comments:
Pope Benedict XVI is brilliant! As I was watching the homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral someone on either EWTN or Fox News (I was bouncing back and forth) made the comment that Pope John Paul II had a gift of making us all FEEL, but Pope Benedict XVI has the gift of making us all THINK. That comment seemed to ring true to me. His analogies, especially the ones given in his homilies, are truly mind-blowing. We are all so blessed to have such a great leader in our Church in this time of purification. I believe Benedict will certainly turn things around and bring unity back to the Universal Church.
Love,
John R.
I had lunch today with a very religiously diverse group of people. They asked me about my experience with the Pope's visit to CUA. Honestly, I was intrigued by their interest! Just like you, FB, I too was "blown away" by the two days of excitement on campus. However, I did have a few quiet moments at home to really listen to his address to the Bishops at the Shrine and to listen to his Homily at the Mass. I have the utmost respect for this truly remarkable and holy man. He has such a wonderful grasp on reality, communicates so well, and his comments are so intelligent, humble and honest. I loved JPII and was very reserved with my opinions about Pope Benedict. But Pope Benedict inspires me and makes me feel truly blessed to be a Catholic in a very challenging time.
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