The Pope has Come / Gone

Too many people have been asking me about the Papal visit - was I going, did I see him (in some cases, did I see Him?), what did I think? We live in the neighborhood, so although we were far enough away not to have police at our front door every day, His Holiness did drive past the front door and we did have helicopters overhead for many hours of several days. I di not go to any of the events. (That's why God invented television, no?)At some point you weigh responsibility against desire, and at this point, I simply had too much to do. I watched some of the moments on television, or on my computer (the Catholic Bishops Conference had the best feed of anyone)and have read some of the many words that have been written. Fr. James Martin has an outstanding blog connected with the NY Times on the visit - he is one of the best writers I know and if you want some really good reflections from a Jesuit, turn to him.

At some point I may write a wider-ranging reflection (once I figure out if I have anything particular to say). I think it was an extraordinary, and for many people, a surprising visit. I think many people got a new sense of this teacher and pastor, who had the reputation of being something of an attack dog, especially on doctrinal issues. But for the moment, let me share the notes for the homily I'm going to give at Mass today. The First Reading tells of Paul curing a crippled man, and the people of that place wanting to put up statues in honor of him and Barnabas, calling them gods. They respond that they are men, like themselves, who are bringing them good news that will change their lives. Seemed a coincidence of Scripture and daily life too good to pass up.

HOMILY NOTES
For me, the most important line in all of today’s readings is found in the First Reading - “Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news.”

I have two thoughts – the first is that often enough, when someone does something good for us, we tend to overestimate them. When we were young – we fell in love – and we were thrown when we discovered that the object of our love wasn’t perfect in all things. We really like our movie stars – and so because they can act well, somehow people think they are also experts in political affairs and international diplomacy. During this past week, I heard people on the street say things like – OH the Pope – Christ on earth – the closest I will ever get to God. Sigh – even the Holy Father would say that’s silly – in fact, he would probably say it faster and louder and stronger because he knows how weak he is, and how much he needs to help of the Spirit – he said that at the end of the Mass Saturday at St. Patrick’s.

The apostles knew better. Pay attention to the message – don’t try and make the messenger into something more than they are. Priests and Bishops and Cardinals and yes, the Holy Father have been given great privileges – and even greater responsibilities. But we are of the same nature as you are – we are all human beings –and if you try to turn any of us into something else, you are making a mistake that is not fair to us, and may not be good for you. Like assuming the object of your first love is perfect – you are going to be disappointed.

My other reflection comes from the same line – we are of the same nature as you, human beings. And if WE can proclaim the good news, so can you. If WE can find God’s spirit in our lives, find God’s hand in our daily work – so can you. You can hear the message and live the message and most important, you can share the message with others. If you find a really good restaurant, you tell your friends. If you see a really great movie, you tell your friends. If you get a good bargain on clothes or cell phone rates or buying a new car – you tell your friends. So why aren’t you telling your friends about what ought to be the most exciting thing in your life?

It was exciting to have the Pope come and visit. I am a great fan of the Pope, and I think he’s doing an extraordinary job and I think it was a great visit. But he’s the Pope – meaning no disrespect, he’s ONLY the Pope. Here at Mass we come in direct and personal contact with God. We have the Word of God preached to us, we have a miracle performed each day here on the altar that is way more extraordinary than the healing we heard about in the first reading and we have the extraordinary privilege of being able to receive God into our own bodies physically. What could possibly be more exciting or more important than that!

So why aren’t you telling your friends? Why aren’t you excited about sharing that? Why isn’t THAT the most important thing in your life?

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Now that the Pope has left - back to work.