My New Thomas

I think its time to do a blog post on my new Thomas - Pope Francis. 

Forgive me Thomas, you have taught me a lot, we have travelled many afternoon journing together bathing in the sun, letting the heart soak up every word you had written. Yet my heart is very big you know, so there is room in it too for my new man Francis. Im sure your agree that he and you would get along amazingly well - like two peas in a pod - hehe. 

The best way to approach to share in my 'new man' is to tell you my top five quotes that have been inspiring and encouraging. He preaches against gossip, reminds us to finish our meals and even tells us not to fear marriage. "World's parish priest" my man Francis goes beyond abstract theology and gives all advice we can use daily! 

GLOBAL WARMING

Only two years after he took over as 'world priest' he is driving home the message which will surely defined his papacy; start taking care of the planet. 

A very simple yet essential message, or more so topic that needs to be addressed yesterday!! Francis has brought this topic beyond the church papal encyclical into the embracing delight of millions around the world opening the door to re-engage with both catholics and non-catholics a like; by using it as a bridge that everyone across the world will have to use! Francis has successfully sidestepped 'contentious' issues for the church (like abortion, birth control, women priest etc) rising awareness, talk, drive of actively promoting climate change awareness which has on set effects even tackling socio-economic equality, possibly his ultimate mission!

"The time for seeking global solutions is running out. We can find suitable solutions only if we act together and in agreement."

THE GIFT OF LIFE

My heart was full of joy when I heard Pope talk in his visit to the U.S Congress asking for a global abolition of the death penalty. Supporting his call giving compelling pro-life and culture of life statements during his different addresses while in the United States could only give encourage to all to fight for what you believe, fight for the gifts the Lord has blessed us with. 

"The innocent victim of abortion, children who die of hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in the search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or sick who are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence and drug trafficking, the environment devastated by mans' predatory relationship with nature; At stake in all of this is the gift of God, of which we are noble stewards but not maters."

"The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development" 

" A just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation." 

FINISH YOUR MEALS 

There is an unspoken rule that we live to, what is on your plate must be cleared or you have not finished!! I have to admit as the sisters know, I have come up with a strategy to help me, however Pope has made this 'unspoken rule' into one for all to follow. 

"We should all remember, that throwing food away is like stealing from the tables of the poor, the hungry! I encourage everyone to reflect on the problem of thrown away and wasted food to identify ways and means that, by seriously addressing this issue, are a vehicle of solidarity and shaing with the needy"

Its very evident why he is named after 12 century saint who lived in poverty, Francis slams a 'culture of waste' that neglects the plight of the hungry!! 

ROLE OF WOMEN

Francis sings out to all those who fight endlessly, in silence, in hope, in pain. His words lift my spirit with the reality that our world priest is more advanced in his thinking and vision. 

"[A] woman has a different make-up than a man. But what I hear about the role of women is often inspired by an ideology of machismo. […] The church cannot be herself without the woman and her role. The woman is essential for the church. Mary, a woman, is more important than the bishops. I say this because we must not confuse the function with the dignity. We must therefore investigate further the role of women in the church. We have to work harder to develop a profound theology of the woman. […] The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions." 

He has followed his words with gestures from washing the feet of women Holy Thursday ritual to decried the pay gap between men and women as 'pure scandal'. He has spoken about the needs or more women to be included in decision-making roles in the church and boosted the number of women serving on the theological commission. (about 30 member group that makes recommendations about doctrinal issues to the Vatican - what a role!!) 

Plus lets not forget he is a little bit of a feminist, highlighting the awareness of offensive stereotypes of women. 

NOW before you jump back at me saying that he doesn't support women priest, my reply to you is nor do I!! (this topic for another blog) He always is upfront with his reasons, opinions and tries to teach all the reasons. I believe that presently he is having men and women work together more in the church and modeling that to the world, which is essential and just like Jesus taught to love each other, work together!! 

YEAR OF MERCY 

When Pope Francis said " The Holy Year of Mercy is dedicated to living out in our daily lives the mercy which God constantly extends to us" it connects to scripture - "Do deeds of mercy in word, prayer and action for those in need and for your neighbor" leading only to think - what a year it is going to be!! Wake up all nations, I can hear him shout. 

"God's patience has to call forth in us the courage to return to Him, however many mistakes and sins there may be in our life. ... 

It is there, in the wounds of Jesus, that we are truly secure; there we encounter the boundless love of His heart. 

Thomas understood this. Saint Bernard goes on to ask: But what can I count on? My own merits? No,

 "My merit is God's mercy. I am by no means lacking merits as long as He is rich in mercy. 

If the mercies of the Lord are manifold, I too will abound in merits." 

This is important: the courage to trust in Jesus' mercy, 

to trust in His patience,

 to seek refuge always in the wounds of His love. "