The four-day visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines is generating a spontaneous spiritual renewal in the Filipino nation. Everybody is excited. Somehow his visit to the Philippines is a big lift to our tired and weary spirits. The past two years are not good years for many reasons: the Zamboanga siege, typhoon Yolanda, earthquake in Bohol and the Visayas, typhoons and floods all over, graft and corruption cases, and other natural and man-made catastrophes.
Many are tired and almost hopeless. Our life is already burdened with many bad stories. Unfortunately, less good news is being told and shared. In the battle of telling stories, sad to say, the bad news is winning. And the bearers of good news are getting fewer. We have few storytellers of good news around, compared to newspapers and social media practitioners who are more inclined to tell sensationalized bad stories.
When Pope Francis was elected as the 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church, a new lease on life and inspiration has dawned upon us. Suddenly, an inspiring leader and a bearer of good news was born. When Pope Francis was elected, instead of traditionally blessing the people, he asked the crowd to bless him. When the world saw it, everybody knew this was the beginning of the renewal and revival of the Church. The following months that followed were moments of inspiration, consolation and healing. We agreed. We finally found the shepherd, our good shepherd – a leader who could govern the Church with love and compassion, towards the renewal and transformation of the faithful, including the Church hierarchy.
Pope Francis is not only a perfect bearer of good news of God; his life is a perfect manifestation of God’s mercy and compassion. And his inspiring words coupled with action compel the lost sons and daughters of God to return to the Church fold.
When it was announced that he would visit the Philippines, everyone was thrilled with his coming. Everyone wants to see — in flesh and blood — the new champion of good news in our modern times. We feel so blessed and fortunate! For Pope Francis who inspired and challenged the whole world with his simple but profound teaching, will finally visit us this week.
Unfortunately, not every Filipino is lucky enough to see him face to face. The sea and the distance that divides us to islands and regions will hinder the majority of the population from experiencing the energy and charisma of Pope Francis. Yet, even those who are in Manila and Tacloban are not assured of a full view and face-to-face encounter with Pope Francis. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a privilege pass to Malacañang, Manila Cathedral, Mall of Asia Arena and the UST field. Our last option to see him in person is at the Quirino Grandstand, but with the millions hoping to get a glance of Pope Francis, it will be like winning a lottery to see him closer. So what’s the next option? To stay in the comfort of your home, watch him on TV or on the internet, join him in prayer, and listen attentively to his message. In other words, allow Pope Francis to visit you in your hearts.
The question is — if you are not in Manila or Tacloban — how can one profit from Pope Francis’ pastoral visit this week? For the majority, to see Pope Francis in person is not possible. But let’s look at the positive side. The fact that he will be in our country for four days is already a big blessing. His presence in our midst for few days is enough to thank God for this rare opportunity.
Yes, to see him in person is a big blessing. But to listen to him attentively and allow his message to touch our hearts and transform our lives are better blessings. He may not visit our towns or cities, we may not be on the Vatican’s list of people he will meet, but if we allow his message to visit our hearts – this is better and deeper. Yes, it is awesome to meet the Pope Francis in person, but to treasure his message in our hearts is much better and beneficial than to remember the happy memories of his visit.
The euphoria of Pope Francis’ visit will fade away when he returns to Rome. But for those who have learned to transcend the physical distance between them and Pope Francis, and have united themselves spiritually with him in the liturgies, prayers and his messages, they will remain genuinely joyful, inspired and transformed for life.
Source: http://www.cbcpnews.com/cbcpnews/?p=49108
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