On the Pope’s Passing
Now that the Pope has peacefully passed on to be with his (our) Father, a few words.
As the world has watched the outpouring of love for this man in his final days and hours, I have been struck by the message for us. Regardless of one’s religious persuasion, politics, whatever, the love for this man around the world is obvious. We should all be so fortunate to have such love at the time of our passing.
In a practical sense, to me this is how death should be. It should not be surrounded with fighting and anger about death once it’s done. Many have spoken about the “irony” at the Pope’s demise right after the death of Terri Schiavo, and thought there was a message in it. I think the message–at least for me–is this:
A loved one’s death SHOULD be surrounded with love and positive remembrance, as it has been with the Pope. Look at the anger and vitriol stirred up by Terri Schiavo’s death–is that really how she should be sent off to God? Regardless of the wrongs done in bringing about her death, it’s not right–and NOT productive–to carry on in anger. Be inspired to action out of positive feelings, not negative.
The difference in the circumstances surrounding these two humans’ passing is astounding. At Schiavo’s death, many people (even those who call themselves religious) felt despair, defeat, anger, hate…yet do you have these feelings with the Pope’s death? I can’t fathom that anyone would. All I see is admiration, love, the highest respect, and thanks to God for this man’s life. Which way do you think pleases God?
I’m obviously not as spiritually literate, so to speak, as many others who will write about this. These are simply my thoughts expressed in my way. This message isn’t a revelation to me, but it is a reminder.
For now, I’ll be watching this amazing tribute to this man. May he rest in peace.
If you want some information on Papal transition, I recommend Dan’s researched piece on it.
The Anchoress is where I’ll be finding everything else and following links. She wrote the other day:
God bless and keep him. Godspeed, John Paul the Great. Flights of Angels lead thee to thy rest. It will be good to have you in heaven, available to us in the Communion of Saints.
We will remember. We will not be afraid.
See also: the Vatican’s website.
UPDATE: Scott has some good links at Speed of Thought
Annalucia says:
The circumstances of the two deaths are very different. The Holy Father was old and ill and failing, and we all knew that he didn’t have long to live. He obviously knew it too, since reports say that he refused to be taken to the hospital. I think he knew it was time, and he was ready to go.
Terri, on the other hand, was deliberately and cruelly starved to death. It could come as no surprise that people would feel anger and despair - and even hate, yes - when they hear about something like that and see the perpetrators getting away with it. OK, we shouldn’t hate. But we *should* be angry at seeing such blatant injustice.
God rest them both; their pain is ended.
And already the pressies are starting to jabber about who the next Pope will be, and listing the contenders as if they were in the fifth race at Acqueduct. They should save their breath and their ink. We’ll find out when we find out, and no doubt it’ll be as big a surprise as when Karol Wojtyla was elected.
Beth says:
Absolutely, Annalucia, it’s right to be outraged at the injustice. I didn’t fine-tune my wording enough, I guess.
I suppose it’s better to say, is it our job to exact vengeance on those who are wrong? Isn’t our time better spent–our life better spent–working for change rather than trying to correct the things that can’t be undone? Our job (to ME, anyway) is to try to change the mindset of “mercy killings” being acceptable, and words filled with anger only push others away.
Anger won’t bring back Terri, but that DOESN’T mean we shouldn’t continue working to prevent this from happening again–I just think it should be done in the spirit of compassion.
Anyway, just my opinion. Still, blurted rather than fine-tuned. ::sigh:: I guess after some time for more thinking has passed, I’ll be able to write about it more eloquently and precisely.
An_American_Housewife says:
I will miss the Pope. No, I did not know the man personally but I felt he was the closest thing I had to a ‘real’ father. I am very saddened on this day but at the same time I am also happy for him to have made that journey home. And I thank God for sending him to us and for all his great work he did here on earth.
Fresh Politics says:
Onwards and Upwards
In te, Domine, speravi
Speed of Thought says:
The Pope has passed
FNC and the AP: VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope John Paul II…
The Anchoress says:
The Anchoress » Blog Archive » Live blogging the Lion’s last breath… says:
[...] offee I’ll be able to stand some tv! More excellent reads, both blogs and articles: Beth, Cathouse Chat (I am loving all these non-Catholics who are saying such gracious t [...]