The current Pope started his Papacy with great fanfare and expectations, and at the beginning he did not disappoint. The essay below spoke of those first months of his tenure.
a’ Kempis (of Imitation of Christ renown) repeatedly reminded his readers not to play favorites with the saints and holy men of the Church. It is sufficient for our purposes to acknowledge and be inspired by their exemplary lives lived in the service and worship of God. Remember we have a very jealous God that will not countenance any competition with regard to worship.
In the case of the current Pope, many of us may have to re-think our thoughts about him, especially with regard to his holiness and righteousness.
And this might reveal how we ought to regard him based on what is impliedly coming from him. Many devotees who have gotten near him and have been blessed by him have reported that in return and in parting the Pope is wont to offer the request that we also pray for him. And many have been dumbfounded by this reaction.
But it is quite obvious. Many come to him to ask for his blessings and prayer. In return his parting word is his subtle way of telling these people that they are in the same boat with him, subject to the same flaws and vicissitudes. Thus, if we ask for prayer and blessing from a fellow human, then we ought to return that favor by also praying for him.
As simple as that.
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911 DIRGE
Words rush out of our mouths, like cascading river.
Never forget, never forget this horrible day.
Almost mindless and robot-like we continue to roar.
Always remind, always remember this fateful day.
Memory should be permanently ingrained in our minds.
Death and destruction wrought on a hapless nation.
When all it did was lived its daily life, unheeding.
Unmindful and not wishing anyone any ill will.
But we pause to ask: Why so, did it deserve its fate?
Did it inflict harm to its own, and thus feel remorse?
But no such thing happened, or is inferred as such.
Its reply to this revealed the nation's raw intent.
The loud answer shouted out what the real reason was.
Not to forget and forgive for retribution is coming.
And indeed such came in haste and in succession.
And the world has not forgotten nor will it forget.
Yet we continue our chants, never forget, never forget.
And we drone in cadence, each time the day draws nigh.
Yet we continue in our merry ways, unheeding the signs.
The signs that will bring the same dreaded aftermath.
The country continues to install rulers reflecting that.
The words from mouths not synching what is in the heart.
Rendering then the yearly exercise pointless as can be?
So then we be quiet and proceed in our wayward ways?
Fate be the anointed guide and decider of the future grim.
At least we act true to what we have become as humanity.
Unheeding to old ideals that ought rule our daily lives.
To say Amen so long as we are aligned to kin and kith.
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Ways of Winning and Losing
Listened to both post-game interviews of the 2 good-looking losers in the semi-finals of the WTA US Open.
They did appear humbled by the 2 smiling and light-hearted victors, who appeared enjoying themselves not only with their many wins, but being thrust into the wild and noisy world stage.
When asked about their losses, one like throwing up her arms conceded that the youngster could not do anything wrong in her game. The other said because she did not play her best. Why not because the other players showed better than their best? C'mon.
Also, they thought the youngsters won because they were fearless and had nothing to lose.
Huh? Were they not that young before? Maybe just 5-6 years ago?
A youngster pushed into that lion's den and having no fears? Nothing to lose? Most of us would not be able to control the shaking in our legs and bodies.
