Arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, our Shepherd is leaving "Shepherd One." Wait until you read the first reading from today's liturgy. It is Luke's account in the Acts of the Apostles we are made aware of the selection of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work. And furthermore we learn of St. Paul's first missionary jaunt. How fitting for us to reflect on the first day of Pope Benedict's visit to the USA.
As this blogger wrote on Sunday, please listen to what the Holy Father has to say! Listen to his words and then carefully listen to his interpreters. Already talk radio hosts and some tv anchors have taken over the special grace of "infallibility" for themselves. They have determined precisely what the Holy Father meant concerning his words on Shepherd One while flying across the Atlantic.
Again, let us reflect on the spirit of prayer and the spirit of deep joy that the Holy Father is offering to each of us who sees him or hears his words. Again, let us remember that the Holy Spirit is a prime mover in this visit ... perhaps more so than the "interpreters" of the Pope's words.
When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Salamis, as the reading instructs us, "they proclaimed the word of God ...." For me each time I hope to hear what the Holy Father proclaims, I try my best to understand what the Holy Spirit is calling me, calling us to understand.
To the surprise of some, perhaps many, this Vicar of Christ expressed his pain and horror while thinking about the priest sex scandal. Thankfully, Rocco Palmo, in Whispers in the Loggia for yesterday has provided the full text of his thoughts on the tragedy that has marred the priesthood and tainted the credibility of many Bishops. These words alone provide us, especially priests, with food for thought ... even though we may have tired of thinking about the matter. In these words, we can experience a "shy Pope" who does not hide his personal pain and condemnation.
Let us continue our personal prayers for Pope Benedict that the Holy Spirit will continue to bless our Pope during this visit to the USA.
