Question of the Week
The Lord called Pope Francis home on Easter Monday. We thank God for him and pray for his eternal peace. For our questions this week, “How has Pope Francis impacted your life, and how has he helped us understand the role of the successor of St. Peter?”
Pope Francis: May He Rest in Peace
I took this picture as Pope Francis passed by in the Popemobile this past October. It was clear he was weak then, but he spent some time with all the pilgrims who had come for the Thursday morning audience and offered us some brief words of exhortation and encouragement.
Like St. Peter in the first reading from Acts this Sunday, I think many of us were hoping to be close to him. His funeral will take place on April 26, Easter Saturday. How fitting that we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday as we end this Easter Octave and his passing on to God. In speaking of God and his mercy, Pope Francis said this: “Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy… Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love.” Pope Francis revealed the importance of Divine Mercy seen in action, especially to the marginalized and vulnerable members of our society.
While we mourn his loss and pray for his eternal peace, may we continue to reflect on his impact and teachings for the whole Church and live out the call to be merciful as God is merciful to us. Mercy given also reveals the hope of this Jubilee Year! Thank you, Holy Father! May you pass safely now through the Holy Gate of God’s Kingdom into the Eternal Jubilee of Heaven.