Thursday, April 21, 2005

habemus papam

Two weeks ago I was saddened by the loss of our beloved Pope, John Paul II. He was an inspiration and he touched the hearts of many. His message, during the 1995 World Youth Day, to "Tell the World of His Love" inspires us to reach out to the world and proclaim the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The week after his death and the days before the conclave was a time for deep thought and reflection, where will we go afterwards, I often asked myself. There was a deep concern as news agencies often times during the passed few days highlights issues regarding contraception, abortion, homosexuality, aids, etc, and that the decline of people going to Mass especially in Europe is often blamed on the Church because of its hardline stance. It is sad that many people do not appreciate the fullness of truth proclaimed by the Church, instead they want to manipulate the Church and let it sway where they want it. It is heresy they want for the Church.

A beacon of light appeared when Cardinal Ratzinger presented last Monday to his fellow cardinals the direction where the Church should go and where it should stand, he made the cardinals aware of the present threats to the Church and that the Church should not give in.

And indeed, in the afternoon the next day, guided by the Holy Spirit, we have received a blessing from God. The cardinals elected him, Joseph Ratzinger, to succeed Peter in guiding the flock of Christ towards the path to salvation.Congratulations and welcome Pope Benedict XVI! May the grace of God be with you always.