Imperfect holiness
I remember exactly where I was the day Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis. I was a sophomore in college and was finishing up lunch with my friends when the entire student union started to buzz. We faithful students and religion majors all crammed into the lounge of the Catholic Campus Ministry to watch on a small twenty-inch television as this grandpa-like figure meekly walked out on to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with a kind smile and a wave. No one really knew what to expect from this man, relatively unknown to the world. But in the last twelve years, I think each of us has been influenced by his life.
Francis was imperfect. He loved children; he never admonished them or scolded them when they would (frequently) interrupt his speeches in public. He always responded with tenderness and his trademark wit. But many questioned if he truly did all he could to continue dismantling the culture of child predation within the Catholic Church. He was a fierce advocate for immigrants and the marginalized. He began his pontificate during the European immigration crises in the early 2010’s, and very likely saved thousands of lives by convincing governments to be compassionate and open, rather than self-centered and closed in their immigration policies. And yet, many people within the Church and throughout the world felt he could have done more for women, young people, LGBTQ+ people, and non-Europeans. He was always open for discussion, but seemed deeply reluctant for debate to lead to concrete changes.
But as a fellow Christian, I cannot help but look at the way he lived beyond his politics and see a man devoted to God. Humble. Cheerful. Patient. Empathetic. Generous. Loving. Funny. He was constantly in prayer, whether in private, in public, or in conversation. He never made a spectacle of his faith, his piety, or his authority. And never did he pretend to be better than the child of God standing in front of him.
Each of us is imperfect in our holiness. We baptized all have the same Spirit of God alive within us as Francis did. That means there is something different about who we are and how we’re meant to live our lives. But if even one of the humblest Christians I know can’t get it right one hundred percent of the time, there’s still hope for me. There is hope for each of us. Because God is alive in us, working out salvation, shaping us into a people of love and service.
We won’t always get it right. But that doesn’t make us any less worthy of love. That was something I think Francis understood deeply about humanity. I may not be a Catholic, but that part of him will leave an impact on my own faith for the rest of my life.
Marcia Willi
Pastor Mac I really feel that your message touched my heart! I hope there is hope for me in my faith journey
Alice Kenyon
I loved that Pope Francis lived as leader of the Holy catholic church as well as the Holy Catholic Church. He will be missed.
Deb Lamp
I really like what you have said about the Pope, he was great. You really pointed it out so well. Thank you