You Are Chosen!
Pope Francis offers comfort to an individual during a meeting with a group of the sick, people with disabilities, and the poor, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept. 5, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
“The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love.” Pope Francis
As I write this reflection, I am filled with a mix of emotions as Pope Francis has now been laid to rest. What a truly beautiful funeral it was, and it certainly encapsulated the spirit of St. Francis that he embodied so well. Pope Francis, was a great model of Servant Leadership. He demonstrated servant leadership through his consistent focus on compassion, humility, and unwavering service to others, particularly those who are poor and marginalized in society. He prioritized open dialogue, active listening, and deep empathy, and his actions consistently reflected a firm belief that true leadership is genuinely found in serving others and walking alongside them during their struggles. He was often thinking of the common citizen, as clearly articulated in his heartfelt comments about migrants, refugees, and people on the margins of society. Even for his own funeral proceedings, he chose a simple wooden coffin and deliberately stipulated that his body be buried not in the Vatican's glorious St. Peter's Basilica, which is known for its grandeur, but rather across town in a smaller, more humble space that aligned with his values.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend one of his events during his visit to New York City back in September 2015. The papal gathering at Madison Square Garden was particularly special, as Pope Francis celebrated a Holy Mass there. It was undoubtedly a deeply spiritually moving experience for everyone present. As he circled the floor of the garden alongside Cardinal Dolan, I seized the moment and used my cafeteria voice to call out, “Papa Francesco, paz y bien.” In that instant, I captured a photograph as he looked up and waved back at me, a memory I will cherish forever. (Picture below) As dedicated pilgrims of hope, how can we actively continue to uphold and carry forward his enduring legacy?
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his devoted disciples, offering them reassurance and guidance in their newfound purpose. He then sent them out with a profound mandate to share the joyous good news of his resurrection and to make disciples of all nations, regardless of their backgrounds. We are called, chosen through our baptism, this significant directive, known as the "Great Commission," clearly outlines our vital mission to spread the gospel not only in words but with our lives.
Like Jesus, Pope Francis challenges us to go out into our community, our workplace, and the wider world around us. He encourages us to actively seek and embrace opportunities to take the basin and wash the feet of others in a meaningful way. It is our duty to build up and support those who are less fortunate, offering our help and compassion wherever it is needed most.
“Christ, my hope, has risen! He lives and reigns in glory. Death has been transformed into triumph, and the faith and great hope of Christians rests in this: the resurrection of Christ!” -Pope Francis
Thank you Papa Franceso for all you have done for our church. (to paraphrase my beloved St. Francis of Assisi….. ) “YOU have done what was yours to do, may Christ now teach us what is ours are to do.”
Prayer for the Conclave
Almighty God, we humbly pray that the upcoming conclave brings us a Pope who truly pleases You by guiding Your Church to grow in deep faithfulness and unwavering devotion to You. We gather in prayer together, seeking the intercession of our beloved Mother Mary and all the Saints who inspire us. Please, Lord, protect and guide Your Church during this significant time of transition and change, as we look to the future with hope and trust in Your divine wisdom.
Amen.
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
A Cherished Photo!
NY Papal visit
September 2015
Click photo for the BBC UK website
Special Thanks to my friend Lucy who shared both of these links.
Click photo for Spotify Playlist
