All afternoon, I’ve been singing it. “Make me a channel of your peace…“ It’s always been a favorite, and today? Well, wow. Fitting.
I watched the events this afternoon, fingers flying on Skype with a group of dear friends. Protestant friends, every last one of ‘em.
“White smoke!”
“Lights!”
“Oooo, check out the band!”
“He picked St. Francis because of his love of the poor.”
“Oh, he’s old like my grandma. She can still out walk all of us. He looks spry like her.”
“Yep, the Lord’s Prayer still has the same effect in another language.”
Scattered across the country, different backgrounds, spanning the political spectrum, and embracing various faith traditions, we laughed together. We discussed the moment and the history. Some of us even cried.
I felt safe in there, sharing this “pope watch” with friends who don’t share my faith tradition. It was beautiful. And hilarious.
I can’t help but think that’s what God wants from us. Respecting each other. Deeply caring about one another, even when we disagree. Especially when we disagree. Unconditional love.
I know little about Pope Francis, but I have hope for his tenure. Hope for understanding. Hope for respect. Hope for unity.
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
That is beautiful. And inspiring! I saw some of that on Twitter, too. Sadly, I saw an awful lot of insensitive joking happening, too. Ah, well. Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?
Ah, yes. The insensitive. It was there, and will likely always be there. I’m learning (slowly!) to walk away.
Lucky you! I was at my parents’ and couldn’t bear to leave till I saw who it was. I only had one Protestant inlaw make a snide comment, and I couldn’t hold my tongue but I feel I handled it well. I think he’s going to be a good papa for us!
Wonderfully said. How interesting that it took a Catholic event for all of that unity and peace to happen. I love it.
I was at my mom’s house when the announcement was made and we both watched intently as the new Pope was about to be announced. Even though I know very little about Pope Francis, the little I have heard makes me hopeful that he will lead the church in the right direction. Yesterday was a great day!
I couldn’t help but feel that God has truly blessed the Church with this man. He seems as humble and unconventional as St. Francis was himself. I believe he will draw respect from all corners of the world and lead the church back to it’s humble beginnings where Jesus himself laid the foundation.
All I can think to say is yes.
I was at work, and we ALL watched. I even interrupted a manager meeting to tell them, and none of them are remotely Catholic.
I am so glad he picked the name Francis. It’s a very fitting name.
I hope this will be good for the church.
Beautifully said, my friend. It was a blessing to share in such a special time with you <3