Yesterday Pope John Paul II passed on. By now this isn't news to anyone. Now begins the period of mourning and reflection on a man, just a single man, who has had such a tremendous influence on the world.John Paul II was the first Pope that I clearly remember. I only remember the previous two vaguely and couldn't even tell you their names. I only remember John Paul II's immediate predecessor because he died just days into his Papacy. I remember clearly when John Paul II was shot, I remember pictures of him skiing and hiking in the mountains. As a young Catholic this was inspiring and brought him closer to me as a person. Hey, I liked to go hiking too, wow!
John Paul II also did so much for helping bring the world together this article from the CBC is evidence of that–CBC News- Jews, Muslims pay tribute to John Paul II. Paul Chaney wrote a great piece as well–Radiant Marketing Group- A Tribute to Pope John Paul II.
Since I grew up Catholic in this era, I grew up being taught the strange mix of conservative liberalism that, I think, was a hallmark of this papacy. John Paul II reached out and healed wounds with many of the world's religions. He taught peace, acceptance and tolerance of other religious faiths. This has been a beacon of light in tumultuous times. Something that has acted like a guidepost for many. On the other side of the coin he stood fast on many of the social issues of the day–married clergy, female clergy, birth control, etc. Now, interestingly, if he had allowed married priests, I might not be writing this piece as I am now. I might be writing as Fr. Tris Hussey, SJ. Yes, I considered seriously, very seriously, becoming a priest 12 years ago (and I might have joined the Jesuits). My desire to get married and have a family won out in the end. And interestingly soon after that I distanced myself from the RCC for about 10 years. Many of you know about this subtle twist in my life. I think having a Pope I could identify with and having priests who I could connect with during college and grad school, kept me in the RCC through a time when many young people leave the Church. Seeing this humble man exude such peace and grace, and laugh, he laughed at jokes, this was a powerful influence. I didn't attend Mass yesterday, and can't today. I'm making the slow journey back to the Church. But my spiritual sense gives me a guidepost.
I mourn for the loss of a true man of peace. I remember him in his younger more vital days. When I saw him in Denver in 1993 he had already started to fade, but his words and presence were still powerful. And now we wait. We wait to see who the next Pontiff shall be. John Paul II, from Poland to Rome, your influence and peace influenced the world for good, and bad. But your legacy of peace, that is what I hope the world remembers the most. I know they will.
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