Shedding Tears
Pope John Paul II passed away today. Upon hearing this news, many people around the world shed tears.
On CNN and BBC, we see people talk about a person who loomed large on the world stage. His historical contributions, such as his role in the fall of communism in Poland and Europe and in bridging the Catholic Church with other faiths are mentioned as part of his legacy. He is likened to other great leaders who have helped shape world events.
There is no doubt that Pope John Paul II is a historical figure, having been Pope for twenty-six years. Even comments about his perceived conservatism and some omissions of the church only show the immense expectations and demands placed upon this man. But greatness can only be judged by history, and his place in it will only become clearer with time.
But the millions who wept upon hearing of his death are not concerned about historical greatness. If there is one defining image of John Paul II, it is of him holding his staff and smiling. They wept because they have lost their shepherd.
His call to his flock was always clear. In a world with so much fear and uncertainty, where life can be cloned in a laboratory, where religion is made a reason to commit mass murders, where technology has shrunk the globe to a village, his voice has been steady. His beliefs and compassion never wavered. “Be not afraid.”
Here was a shepherd who was able to call to each one of his flock. This is what is sung about in the Psalms, a shepherd who brings you to still waters. If the Pope is Christ’s representative on earth, then to his flock John Paul II has fulfilled his mission admirably.
To the millions who wept, what matters most is not greatness but goodness. Here was a truly good man. And he was their shepherd. And they miss his voice.
On CNN and BBC, we see people talk about a person who loomed large on the world stage. His historical contributions, such as his role in the fall of communism in Poland and Europe and in bridging the Catholic Church with other faiths are mentioned as part of his legacy. He is likened to other great leaders who have helped shape world events.
There is no doubt that Pope John Paul II is a historical figure, having been Pope for twenty-six years. Even comments about his perceived conservatism and some omissions of the church only show the immense expectations and demands placed upon this man. But greatness can only be judged by history, and his place in it will only become clearer with time.
But the millions who wept upon hearing of his death are not concerned about historical greatness. If there is one defining image of John Paul II, it is of him holding his staff and smiling. They wept because they have lost their shepherd.
His call to his flock was always clear. In a world with so much fear and uncertainty, where life can be cloned in a laboratory, where religion is made a reason to commit mass murders, where technology has shrunk the globe to a village, his voice has been steady. His beliefs and compassion never wavered. “Be not afraid.”
Here was a shepherd who was able to call to each one of his flock. This is what is sung about in the Psalms, a shepherd who brings you to still waters. If the Pope is Christ’s representative on earth, then to his flock John Paul II has fulfilled his mission admirably.
To the millions who wept, what matters most is not greatness but goodness. Here was a truly good man. And he was their shepherd. And they miss his voice.
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