Would you do it?
Published on April 19, 2005 By oleteach In Religion
As I turn on the TV from time to time, I see people who have traveled from far off places, standing and watching to see if white smoke will soon emanate from that little chimney in the Vatican. I wonder what possesses them to make such a journey to see what I can see from the comfort of my own home.

Granted it is an historic moment in time. For younger people it will be the first time they can witness this method of election. For those who put leaders, movie stars, musicians, and popes on pedestals, coming close to what I might call obsession, it makes life exciting for them.

When a Pope has lived a life of a true servant of Christ, I am in admiration. I did not fall to pieces when he died. I rejoiced that he was finally at rest.

Early in the year of 1978, I had a chance to go to Europe with four close friends. We did visit Rome and the Vatican. We were in a large audience that listened to Paul VI preach a sermon on our call to follow Christ. It was inspirational. I thought that practice of carrying the Pope in on a throne-like chair was pretty unlike what Christ would have done. How about a donkey? (tongue-in-cheek J ) (Pope John Paul II did away with that practice as he did with many other archaic observances.) Great minds think alike!

Later that year, 1978, that Pope died. John Paul II replaced him. He lasted only one month. And then I witnessed the election of his successor. So this is somewhat of “old hat” for me. I don’t get too excited about a whole lot of things anymore. I just prayer that this election will not involve political issues but will be the product of those old cardinals who listen faithfully to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus has sent as our Helper. We do need help.

Since I started this post late this morning, Benedict XVI has been elected. I am somewhat disappointed because he is known to be super conservative. But I will just wait and see, hoping for the best for the world and the church. We need great leaders.





Comments
on Apr 19, 2005
oleteach:

It's nice to see you around--I've haven't seen much of your stuff lately. Interesting perspective--this is all very new to me--the first election of a pope that I can remember (I was less than a year old when JP II was elected).

I share your disappointment over Benedict XVI election--I was hoping the church would be more progressive.
on Apr 19, 2005
Thanks shades of gray,
Not to worry. Who know what good will come. No matter what...just remember...this too shall pass!
on Apr 19, 2005
There's also the fact of his involvement, though apparently limited, in the Hitler Youth movement. He mandatorily enlisted I think. There's something inherently unsettling about a Pope who has had some experience with a German anti-aircraft battery, where he was firing ordnance at Allied aircraft during World War 2. On the other hand, I've never thought it's wrong for the German menfolk to answer the call of duty, even if it was Hitler who issued the call. Where this new Pope resides on this issue today is anybody's guess. Like it or not, the new Pope served under Hitler and possibly knocked some allied aircraft from the skies to boot. While I hold no illusions about Pope John Paul II's character and activities, overall, historically, at least he was against the Nazi regime and not fighting for it.
on Apr 19, 2005
Reiki=House,
Isn't it easy to look for the bad in every situation? Haven't we all done stupid things in our youth and even yesterday?

Our first Pope was no saint to begin with. He denied even knowing the Man who walked with him for 3 years. A God-man who did no evil, not even once.

This Pope will not be perfect either but he is a man of principles. Some of his past statements, I don't always agree with, but I am not all that sharp about all things.

I will pray for him and hope that the Holy Spirit will lead him in ways that will probably surprise us all.

on Apr 22, 2005
You know my opinion already on his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. But, I am new to the whole Catholic Dogma and all the mysteries surrounding its election process (although like you said, I did do my research). I am probably very wrong and I am hoping that he carries on with Pope John Paul II's work even though he didnt go with his name. Although, I am still confused to why they picked a pope that is 78. It just seems like they would try to pick younger ones, thats all.
In response to Reiki, yes he did serve in the German Army during WWII. He was assigned to a Nazi AA Battery to be an asst. gunner. According to him, he never pulled the trigger. So, know one knows what really went on except him and the man upstairs. He and his brother also avoided conscription service with SS due to his pending ordainment. Then he escaped in April 1945 at the beginning of the fall of the Third Reich. I am not trying to stick up for the guy, cause I dont have a warm fuzzy about his service either, but just thought I would put the info out there.
Thanks for writing some more, mom! Love ya!!!
on Apr 23, 2005

According to him, he never pulled the trigger

and Clinton didn't inhale.

on Apr 23, 2005
EstrogenLass, I admire you for even bothering to research whatever interests you. In my opinion, one does have to look at a person's record to try to analyse what that person might be inclined to bring to the table, but there is another factor that should be kept in mind. If we do not allow for growth and maturity in a person, we are sure to short-change that person. We will be prejudiced in our conclusions. I would hate to think people who know me now, would classify me as a thief because I once shoplifted a pair of pink anklets when I was five years old. Or they might recall that I stole a quarter from my brother when I was about seven. At those times I was a thief. Today, the thought of shoplifting never crosses my mind any more than robbing a bank would. I use a simplistic example, but I know that you will get my point. Thanks for your comments, honey!
on Apr 23, 2005
greywar, your humorous comments remind me that you are a true desendant of your grandma. She, too, had a way with succinct, witty retorts. Love you! How about a lengthy call. I am still savoring the last call...well over a month ago!
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