I haven't answered this post for a couple of reasons, one I needed time to think of a way to say what I'm going to say without appearing to be hard hearted, two I wanted others to have the chance to answer the post before I make my (what may appear hard hearted) posting.
Though I know and understand that the Pope is a great man (I feel that Pope John Paul 2 has done a lot of good work in the constraints of the Catholic Church - He is in my mind a good man) - I also know that he is just a man, he too puts his pants on one leg at a time - he may be a Great man, but he is not Super Man.
I also know that he is old.
My Great Grandmother passed on when she was 98 years old. The final year of her life was a tragic one, She lost the ability to love by herself, she started getting more forgetful, she lost her ability to make biscuits (We called her Biscuit Grandma because she did a lot of baking) the forgetfulness that lead to her inability to make biscuits was a horror for her, she said that no one can call her Biscuit grandma anymore.
When she passed it was a relief to me. Though I was sad that she had to go, I did not shed any tears for inside I knew that death was a mercy. I knew that for her life had been full and complete, any further lingering would have been cruel.
Old Age and the illnesses that come with it are a horror and a shame to the person who is going through them.
Though I doubt that the Pope will voice his horror and shame, I must wonder if he will not see death as a blessing.
As the Leader of the Church He is aware that his death is not to oblivion but to a greater reward, a second eternal life one.
I have heard a few people suggest that we should pray that he gets better so he can serve a few more years as Pope. I have to wonder at the wisdom of that, I have to wonder if that is not selfish and is perhaps a horrible crime on one level or another.
My suggestion is that we Pray that the Pope is blessed and that God, in His Wisdom will be mercifully swift and will ease the suffering of a good man Be it through physical Death, or be it through a healing.
It is ultimately God's will, not ours that matters.
David
Posts: 3988 | Location: Leaving land, heading for the ocean | Registered: 06-03-02
David-I do not consider your post to be hard hearted at all. Rather you are being realistic. And you are right. Ultimately God's will in this situation will prevail.
