After weeks of news about how the ISIS idiots destroying people’s well-being and lives and other illiterates in the Mideast are shoving people out of their homes, it has been a pleasure this past week to read about the satisfying visit of Pope Francis to Cuba and the U. S., as well as what he had to say about the future of the world.
Now that he has gone from our shores, we can reflect on what he said.
We may not gain complete international peace immediately, but we may gain a step in that direction as a result of his visit. It should also change the thinking of many who never cared about the welfare of others.
It is amazing that a religion as old as the Roman Catholic Church can impress people so much that its leader can command the type of worldwide attention Pope Francis did on this trip.
And he did much of this by recasting Christianity into a force of helping hands instead of pointing fingers.
True, Christian churches have always emphasized telling the world what is right and wrong about how we run our lives here on earth. But with such differences of opinion as to what is right and wrong in this world of ours today, the language has to change.
We can no longer say don’t do this or that. People have to settle in their own minds what is right and wrong with a mind clear of any selfishness and evil feelings. We have to sway people into accepting what is recommended by good hearts as the right things to do.
That, of course, is the main thing for a religion to deliver to its flock. But, obviously, with worldwide conditions as they are, the good people do not all think alike and that complicates any opportunity to create a “one world” philosophy which will put everyone on the same track.
We must decide today in our own minds what makes things right or wrong and leave the people in general with a common understanding of it.
And that is when the commandments of the churches come in. There is not much leeway.
But the Pope has another purpose in this life, not just to say what is right or wrong. He must give reason why they are right or wrong.
Pope Francis emphasized one of the new attributes of church policy – focusing less on church teaching and more on compassion. And his talks while in Cuba and U. S. indicated that very much.
“Harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor,” he said as he encouraged them to speak with anyone, regardless of their views.
In other words, he opened up his papacy to the right of speaking out to a free world that can accept his teachings peacefully without violent dissent.
Viewing the Pope’s actions while on his western hemisphere trip seems to have encouraged world leaders to accept his peaceful approaches to many of their problems. It seems to have been an impressive coincidence that during his visit here, President Xi Jinping of Red China opened his country’s aid to other countries in need of benefactors. And things seem to have calmed down in the Middle East.
Yes, the Pope has seemed to stir up many people of the world into a peaceful frame of mind. Hopefully, he will continue to ride his sideless “Popemobile” through crowds waiting to cheer him on in other parts of the world while waiting to hear him continue to recite his loving messages.
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