Celebrate the Life of a Wonderful Leader!
Pope John Paul II died April 2, 2005 9:37 p.m. (2:37 p.m. EST).
But it is his life we will celebrate. I have sometimes heard depressed voices crying out that there are no more heroes. I believe that there are, they are just less glamorized than they used to be; sometimes a bit harder to find. This man was never hard to find.
Karol Wojtyla was born in Wadowice, Poland, near Krakow, in 1920. He rose to become the youngest Pope in 1978, at the age of 58. He was also the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
Among his greatest achievements, inn my opinion, was his bringing together of people from all cultures, nations, and religions. He preached love and peace in everything he said and did. He loved and was loved particularly by children. He always had kind words for everyone. Even as he participated in the decline of communism, which he claimed demeaned the spirits of the people; he was congenial to Mikhail Gorbachev and Fidel Castro. He would go anywhere to visit the people of the world carrying his message, becoming the most traveled pope of all time.
But he believed that it was not the socioeconomic system that was important, but what was carved in the hearts of men. He was also critical of the way in which capitalist countries divided wealth and exploited the weak.
He preached that "conversion is not necessary for salvation", enjoining Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all other religions of the world to join in peace and seek divine guidance. Pope John Paul II was opposed to war. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of all life. He spoke against abortion, the death penalty, and euthanasia. Even in his dying days, he proclaimed the benefits of suffering and pain.
At his celebratory mass tonight, in Los Angeles, CA, the homily proclaimed that "John Paul II never cared about being too politically correct."
He taught me that we will ever be where we need to be, but we must always work to get there.
My hero has died, my hero will live forever. I pray and I invite you to join me.
Right Wing Nut Job
But it is his life we will celebrate. I have sometimes heard depressed voices crying out that there are no more heroes. I believe that there are, they are just less glamorized than they used to be; sometimes a bit harder to find. This man was never hard to find.
Karol Wojtyla was born in Wadowice, Poland, near Krakow, in 1920. He rose to become the youngest Pope in 1978, at the age of 58. He was also the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
Among his greatest achievements, inn my opinion, was his bringing together of people from all cultures, nations, and religions. He preached love and peace in everything he said and did. He loved and was loved particularly by children. He always had kind words for everyone. Even as he participated in the decline of communism, which he claimed demeaned the spirits of the people; he was congenial to Mikhail Gorbachev and Fidel Castro. He would go anywhere to visit the people of the world carrying his message, becoming the most traveled pope of all time.
But he believed that it was not the socioeconomic system that was important, but what was carved in the hearts of men. He was also critical of the way in which capitalist countries divided wealth and exploited the weak.
He preached that "conversion is not necessary for salvation", enjoining Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all other religions of the world to join in peace and seek divine guidance. Pope John Paul II was opposed to war. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of all life. He spoke against abortion, the death penalty, and euthanasia. Even in his dying days, he proclaimed the benefits of suffering and pain.
At his celebratory mass tonight, in Los Angeles, CA, the homily proclaimed that "John Paul II never cared about being too politically correct."
He taught me that we will ever be where we need to be, but we must always work to get there.
My hero has died, my hero will live forever. I pray and I invite you to join me.
Right Wing Nut Job
posted by Straight Up with Sherri at
11:18 PM
5 Comments:
"He preached that "conversion is not necessary for salvation", enjoining Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all other religions of the world to join in peace and seek divine guidance."
If that statement is as black and white as it sounds, I would have to disagree. One of the tenants of the faith is that there is only one way. I think there must be something about that statement that is not explained?
By
jlfintx, at 9:27 AM
I hope this doesn't sound like a sermon- for I am not qualified to give one, but I want to share a story. The above exchange reminds me of a true story.
I friend of mine is a pastor. His church had small groups that gathered for Bible study. One day he got a call. It seems some of the people in a study group could not agree on when and who moved the stone to Jesus' tomb. They had called him to please tell them which version was right.
The pastor chuckled and said, you are missing the point. The point is that the tomb was empty....Jesus has risen...let's concentrate on that...
By
Straight Up with Sherri, at 3:35 PM
Amen!
Let us celebrate the glorious works of Christ through His humble servant.
We love you, John Paul II!
By
Linda, at 11:46 PM
The world awaits to here the name of the successor to replace John Paul,II. This great leader was loved and respected by many all over the world. Thousands will attend the services from President Bush to Queen Elizabeth; even Prine Charles and Camilla have postponed the wedding to attend. He will be greatly missed.CBT2025
By
Anonymous, at 12:19 AM
I believe that this man was one of the greatest role models alive. He didnt have a army or anything to do his fighting but was able to make peace in the world. The way he lived his life by not giving up, keeping the faith and not be swayed by others, is a great man in my thoughts.
GCD8348
By
Anonymous, at 11:27 PM
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