These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.
Pope Francis
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Well Done Pope Francis, Thank You!
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21st, Easter Monday, from a stroke and heart failure. Earlier, he had been in the hospital for pneumonia. He was 88 years old. For 12 years he was Pope, and he made all those years count.
He was a Pope of the people. In his ministry he reached out to the marginalized, the immigrant, the LGBTQ community and was deeply concerned about issues of the environment and climate. Peace in Ukraine and Gaza were always on his heart and mind. He was more pastoral than some of his predecessors.
Francis, who was from Argentina, was the first Latin-America Pope ever. His life was about service and being humble. In his time at the Vatican, he lived frugally and without the bells and whistles of his office. Was he perfect, no.
He worked hard and practiced the command to love thy neighbors, and he made strides in bringing people of all walks of life together. I liked that he wanted to build bridges, not walls. He seemed to believe in building a bigger tent and to show mercy. He visited prisons, washed feet, and emulated Jesus Christ as best as he could.
His faith practice was at odds with some in the Catholic Church, but he was all about making the world a better place, no matter what his critics would say. All I can say is well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in power. You will be missed.
Knockout Roses On Easter Sunday
Knockout Roses are blooming this Spring and they are lovely for Easter Sunday. Peace, love, and beauty to you all.
An Easter 2025 Reflection
Today is a day we recognize the resurrection of Jesus, as we have done in years past. However, in light of all the chaos we are seeing in the world, perhaps it’s necessary to be mindful that extravagant and sacrificial love that was shown three days earlier was for everyone, everywhere, throughout time and memorial.
Jesus was about liberation, love, and life everlasting. Jesus was about liberation, love, and life everlasting. He also lived for and loved the immigrant, the LGBTQ person, the person working two jobs to make ends meet, the veteran with scars we cannot see, the visitors, the huddled masses yearning for freedom, the sick, the widow, the orphan, the student, and many more.
I believe that the power of Jesus is about the power of love born from sacrifice and death, which no longer has sting. It’s never been about power or privilege, it’s always about loving our neighbors as ourselves and doing it the best we can as long as we can.
The In-Between, A Pre-Easter Reflection
The in-between is what tests one’s faith. We all live in the in-between. Today is where Jesus’ crew has no idea about what is to happen. Their fledgling movement was being tested. Tom Petty sings “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” and Jesus’ followers are waiting to see what the future holds for them and so much more.
What happened the day before is probably rattling them emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. One has to think there is a lot of grief and grieving happening, especially with Mary, his mom. Just think about when Jesus power went live at that wedding feast just three years earlier, and now he is gone. Or so they thought.
Jesus resurrection is going to blow the minds of many. That stone will move soon. Scripture tells us some things, but there is always more to the story.
A Good Friday 2025 Reflection
Today is Good Friday and it’s a day of political violence that somehow feels relevant today. It’s remembering a bloody day where one man gave everything for everyone then, now and forever.
The violence inflicted upon Jesus was brutal. It doesn’t make sense, none of it does. Jesus was fulfilling his mission and the greatest act of love he could give for humanity.
I think the power of love that we see on Good Friday is what Christ wants us to reflect. It’s not about power over people it’s about liberation and giving extravagantly to a hurting world that needs it most.
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