The
Mobile Pope
“Early
religions were like muddy ponds with lots of foliage. Concealed
there, the fish of the soul could splash and feed. Eventually,
however, religions became aquariums. Then, hatcheries. From farm
fingerling to fish stick is a short swim.”
Tom
Robbins (Skinny Legs and All)
The
People's Pope is in the U. S. Capital—along with the President of
China. What a whiplash of a week it's going to be for our President.
I hope he's eating his Wheaties. I have to say as a non-Catholic, Pope Francis has captured my heart. He is a living model of what
“church” ought to be—an institution that concerns itself, as
Jesus did, with the margins of society. He cares for the poor and the disenfranchised, the lame and the broken, and with the earth itself. When
he walks among the people, you can see in his face the love he has
for them.
Religion
has become mixed up in politics—not a new problem, but a vexing
one. For me, it's not that people of faith should not have a voice in
the decisions lawmakers take, but in doing so, we should not forget
that the primary purpose of the church is the care and tending of the
human soul, and of the human being. Jockeying for pride of position has
taken the place of considering what is just, kind and compassionate for all.
Religions should be a sanctuary; a scaffolding for supporting the
most vulnerable, not a platform from which to command power.
I
will watch with joy the progress of Pope Francis, who has announced a
Holy Year of Mercy. I only wish that his mercy could shine into the
hearts of all in this land, and in this world, and bring back the
yearning for peace on earth.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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