meditatio at the water's edge

the death of Pope John Paul II - from a protestant's view

It's all to easy to see the mourning and disregard it. Today I sense the morning, and I am deeply touched by the Spirit.

I sense the morning of a new day. Spring is fully alive in Michigan, and new life and renewed life is on the fast track. Less than a week after Easter, and John Paul II is experiencing a new morning. The fullness of the kingdom of God is upon him! Even with my two most beautiful kids playing almost at my feet, I am a bit envious. Karol Wojtyla now knows the presence of God in ways that I still hope and dream. And yet...

And yet, I sense the goodness of God now! I have a son that is saying, "Look daddy." He's finished a new puzzle for his first time, and at two this is quite a feat. My daughter is full of life as spring break from school has her running in the sun. And yet...

And yet, I also weep for my fellow brothers and sisters who are part of the Roman Catholic church. Their leader has died. Honestly, I don't get the entire papal thing. It doesn't make much sense to most protestant minds as we've understood the apostolic thing quite differently that them. And yet...

And yet, they have a tradition. An amazing tradition that has elected a leader for the church since the time of Peter the disciple of Christ. They've looked toward one person as the leader of the church. Amazing.

I've been picturing through TIME magazine this day. The issue is dedicated to Pope John Paul II. I've been alive 38 years, and I remember his election back when I was in 7th or 8th grade. I remember sensing significance was happening at that time.

This man of God helped shape the world. While he was traditional on things that I wish he would have changed, he cared deeply for world peace, for the plight of the poor, for justice, for mercy, for goodness and for kindness. There is really very little that we (or catholics) could have asked of him beyond what he gave. He gave us much.

REGARDLESS of my thoughts about the papacy, he was an INCREDIBLE MAN OF GOD! That may sound like shouting, but I am in awe! I hurt for my catholic brothers and sisters, and I commit myself to holding them in my prayers as they move forward.

Christ prayed that we would be one, that we would seek unity within his bride. Let us comet together as the twelve scatterd tribes. Let us mourn. Let us pray. And let us dance and celebrate the life and resurrection of Karol Wojtyla!