Paul, thank you for your reflection. Gosh, I found so much of myself in your writing. It is honest, grey, and gentle. The way you speak of Pope Francis’s life and legacy reminds me of the quote, “there is a little bit of bad in the best of us, and a little bit of good in the worst of us.” Or, to get more theological—“we are loved sinners” (Ignatius). I appreciate knowing there is a fellow wrestler out there, even if he happens to be from Michigan (and I Ohio) 😉—I only kid! Pax, brother!
Oops! Here's the rest. I was never taught about a vengeful God. I always knew God loved me deep down to my toes. But I missed the devitional practices that both younger and older Catholics benefited from.
I loved Pope Francis but had many of the concerns you did also.
A beautifully written piece. I can relate to your thoughts on JPII and the difference Francis has made. I, too, want to believe in the God that Francis preached. You also point out that Francis is not perfect…only God is. Thank you.
Whenever I feel scandalized by people in the Church and alone for my perspective, I remember something a dear friend’s Protestant mother told me. She was commenting on what I had said about my aunt who is Russian Orthodox but stopped going to church because of problematic views spouted by their priests in regards to the Soviet Union at the time. She told me that is why it is important to remember that we follow Jesus, not any leader. That has always stuck with me when I feel depressed that our leaders have failed us so much. Remember, you belong not because of your perspective or because of the leaders, but because you are following Christ.
I just took your name in vain over at Steve Skojek's The Skojek File in a comment I wrote. Tale of two memoirs. Had a hard time reading his particularly today. I sent him a link to your memoir and said I would send you his. Here it is, with all manner of trigger warnings and caveats: https://skojecfile.steveskojec.com/p/pope-francis-is-dead-but-the-damage
I am of the santo subito crowd, so to speak, and also appreciate your call to let the Spirit marinate us all first as well. Thank you for bringing attention to his final heartfelt plea to all of us! Run and keep running toward the Lord!
May Pope Francis memory be eternal!
Subito santo!!
Amen.
I maybe could have written this but not as beautifully as you. Thanks for writing it for a lot of us, Paul.
Thanks for sharing all this, especially Pope Francis' Easter message.
Can't tell if the irony is intentional or post-hoc happy accident where you say:
I did everything God asked of me. I was the obedient son. So why was I suffering?
It's the darkness of Psalm 22. Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious.
Beautifully done, Paul.
Paul, thank you for your reflection. Gosh, I found so much of myself in your writing. It is honest, grey, and gentle. The way you speak of Pope Francis’s life and legacy reminds me of the quote, “there is a little bit of bad in the best of us, and a little bit of good in the worst of us.” Or, to get more theological—“we are loved sinners” (Ignatius). I appreciate knowing there is a fellow wrestler out there, even if he happens to be from Michigan (and I Ohio) 😉—I only kid! Pax, brother!
Thank you Paul. Great reflection!
This is beautiful. In my opinion, I was born in the "sweet spot" of Catholicism: 1963.
I was never taught about a vengeful
Oops! Here's the rest. I was never taught about a vengeful God. I always knew God loved me deep down to my toes. But I missed the devitional practices that both younger and older Catholics benefited from.
I loved Pope Francis but had many of the concerns you did also.
But he was a holy servant of God and I mourn him.
A beautifully written piece. I can relate to your thoughts on JPII and the difference Francis has made. I, too, want to believe in the God that Francis preached. You also point out that Francis is not perfect…only God is. Thank you.
Whenever I feel scandalized by people in the Church and alone for my perspective, I remember something a dear friend’s Protestant mother told me. She was commenting on what I had said about my aunt who is Russian Orthodox but stopped going to church because of problematic views spouted by their priests in regards to the Soviet Union at the time. She told me that is why it is important to remember that we follow Jesus, not any leader. That has always stuck with me when I feel depressed that our leaders have failed us so much. Remember, you belong not because of your perspective or because of the leaders, but because you are following Christ.
I just took your name in vain over at Steve Skojek's The Skojek File in a comment I wrote. Tale of two memoirs. Had a hard time reading his particularly today. I sent him a link to your memoir and said I would send you his. Here it is, with all manner of trigger warnings and caveats: https://skojecfile.steveskojec.com/p/pope-francis-is-dead-but-the-damage
Damage indeed.
Least I can do is offer a palate cleanse:
https://concordpastor.blogspot.com/2025/04/pause-for-prayer-tuesday-422.html
from Fr. Austin Fleming, retired pastor in Boston.
I am of the santo subito crowd, so to speak, and also appreciate your call to let the Spirit marinate us all first as well. Thank you for bringing attention to his final heartfelt plea to all of us! Run and keep running toward the Lord!