Pope Francis visited the United States in September, 2015. It was a Big Deal!
Doesn’t he look like a loveable Grandfather? Regardless of your religious, political, or societal beliefs you must admit that a Pope is a sought-after figure head. Leaders seek out his thoughts and opinions wherever they are spoken, and they always draw discussion worldwide. Yet, he is fallible and has his own opinions on tough issues, just like each of us. After all, he is only a man who sometimes says things others may not agree with. Still, leaders of every country on earth welcome him with open arms.
Why is that?
Take into consideration the homily he delivered in Philadelphia. It was just a routine Mass celebrated in a cathedral that holds Mass everyday of the week yet this message was different because it was delivered by a true leader and it was broadcasted all around the world. What was this message of worldwide importance? The message was neither one of instruction nor one that demands results; no, instead, it was one that was left to the interpretation of the listener and it was based on a three worded question. “What about you?”
“What about you?” was the same question that Pope Leo asked Sister Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia nun, when she was telling him about all the things, she would like him to do about educating the poor and being more welcoming to the African-American population in the United States. She took his question to heart and donated her entire wealth toward doing exactly what she thought needed to be done by someone else.
A true leader does not have to take a demanding demeanor in order to be heard or to be understood and when a Pope speaks, people of all faiths tend to gleam nuggets of wisdom from his words even if they do not agree with every idea or belief that he holds dear. That is because his message is always one of love and goodwill; character traits which are universal and not confined to one group of people. Yet, business and political leaders here in the United States now fear to proclaim such messages because it might be viewed as politically incorrect or a position of weakness. This Pope understands our Nation’s culture; that is why the overall theme of his address to Congress was, “Quit bickering and do what is right.”, because we all have a responsibility to do the right thing.
“What about you?”
As for myself, as a life-long Catholic, Pope Francis’ message delivered in Philadelphia in 2015 resounded loudly to me personally. I can do so much more with my life and with the Grace of God and the prayers of our Holy Father I will do more. We are all called to do right by our fellow brothers and sisters, no matter their race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or personal preferences. Doing what is right and making good decisions is all that our Holy Father is calling us to do; in essence, to live The Golden Rule. This article is my start to doing a little more. I pray I did justice to the message and that it brings forth a great yield.
“What about you?”
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”
Tony,
Thank you for sharing this post and for reminding us all that we have the power to make changes to help this world we share with others. If we all could remember treat others as you would like to be treated, we may start to see improvements in our world. We have to commit to doing our part and continue even when others may not share the same feeling.
Thank you my friend for being a shining example of kindness and love to your fellow man.
K
K,
One day I have to tell you my personal story about the change this made in my life. You likely witnessed or notices some of the ramification of the change but for me it was monumental. This homily was shortly after the editor of my book, asked me to help her, her husband, and her children to become Catholic. This after two years of weekly arguments about whether to add certain content to my book. Then this homily happened as if Jesus was speaking directly to me. These events started what would become a permanent change to who I would be. One day, we will talk more about this, I’m sure.
Thank you, Kathy, so being part of my life.