THE POPE’S EXAMPLE

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These times have been described as the “most troubling” so far in the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. The controversy surrounding the publishing of private letters to the Pope and between Vatican officials has certainly been a great burden for him.

The Pope seemed to acknowledge the present difficult state of affairs when he said last week in Milan, “If from time to time we may think that the Ship of Peter is at the mercy of ruthless adversaries, it is also true that we see that the Lord is present. He is alive; he truly rose again and holds the government of the world and the heart of mankind in his hand.”

While his words were “off-the-cuff reflection” after a meal with cardinals, bishops and a few families, they suggest the seriousness with which he views the present period and indicate the source of his inner strength. He added, “This experience of the living Church, which lives from the love of God, which lives for the risen Christ has been, let us say, the gift of these days.”

Pope Benedict’s present challenges must be a source of concern for the faithful, inviting our prayerful support. But, the manner in which he deals with situations of conflict offers worthwhile lessons for all. His words in Milan at the World Meeting of Families demonstrate his personal reliance on the Word of God, which he described as the “key of life, the key to thinking, to living”.

Pope Benedict used the context of the Meeting of Families to underscore another important truth, vital for peace in the present unstable world environment. Speaking to 80,000 young candidates for Confirmation and one million families from all over the world, he stressed that the future belonged to those with faith in Jesus Christ. He reminded his listeners of the place of the family in their lives and for the rest of society.

Addressing married couples, he said “your love is fruitful first and foremost for yourselves …You desire and accomplish one another’s good …you experience the joy of receiving and giving”. But he told them their love was fruitful also for society because family life was “the first and irreplaceable school of social virtues, such as respect for persons, gratuitousness, trust, responsibility, solidarity, and cooperation”.

Faith in Christ and his word and families faithful to the call of God are critical building blocks for society but also essential means of resilience in troubling times, the Pope seemed to say.

In today’s Gospel Jesus, himself facing great adversity speaks to his disciples about the importance of adherence to the word of God and doing God’s will.

“Who are my mother and my brothers? …Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).