Hmmm, Maybe He Did Read It

On 10 March 2008 I posted an Open Letter to Papa Benedetto sharing some things I'd like to see him do & say while here in the USA. & while I highly doubt he really did read it, some of what he said in his video message could have been adapted from what I wrote.

I wrote: " Without Jesus at the center of their efforts, peace will never be achieved. & the UN has completely left Jesus out of their efforts. Challenge them to do what their quote says in context, promote the reign of Jesus so that true peace will be promoted."

Papa Benedetto said the following (emphasis mine): "I am convinced that without the power of prayer, without that intimate union with the Lord, our human endeavours would achieve very little. Indeed this is what our faith teaches us. It is God who saves us, he saves the world, and all of history. He is the Shepherd of his people. I am coming, sent by Jesus Christ, to bring you his word of life."

He went on to say: " I shall come to United States of America as Pope for the first time, to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition. Yes, Christ is the face of God present among us. Through him, our lives reach fullness, and together, both as individuals and peoples, we can become a family united by fraternal love, according to the eternal plan of God the Father."

Not a hope, not a way, not a means but the way, the hope the means. The only way to truly acheive peace.

I also said: "You are in our prayers."

As Papa Benedetto pointed out: "I am especially grateful to all who have been praying for the success of the visit, since prayer is the most important element of all. Dear friends, I say this because I am convinced that without the power of prayer, without that intimate union with the Lord, our human endeavours would achieve very little. " (again emphasis mine)

As I said to Papa Benedetto in that letter: "Thank you for standing up & faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Thank you for calling us to follow Jesus. Thank you for being a true shepherd who guides us by words & actions in every aspect of our faith, from liturgy to theology. You are in our prayers for your protection & continued guidance by the Holy Spirit." All I can add is "AMEN!!!!! Thank you Lord for the gift of Papa Benedetto & his willingness by word & deed, to be used by You to proclaim the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ to us & the whole world. Open the ears of all to hear, the eyes of all to see the hearts of all to receive the message of hope & salvation that he will proclaim. The message, Lord, that You have given him to deliver."