.
I didn’t expect to see this at the funeral of Pope Francis.
But then I shouldn’t have been surprised.
We all know that the death of one we love can bring out both the best and the worst in us. While there are healing moments, reunions and even reconciliations, the pain of grief can also surface tensions
Funeral gatherings can bring out the best in the worst of us and the worst in the best of us.
And given that few of us are totally bad or all good we know that in the vulnerability of grief things so easily it can go either way.
But I was surprised. I suppose after seeing the February White House meeting of these two men I had given up thinking peace could come through their attempts at negotiation.
And then on the Saturday of the Easter Octave at the funeral, we see this scene – an image so unexpected that while media outlets published the photo they were unable to offer any explanation.
Two people are often seen in St. Peter’s Basilica and in churches around the world in serious one-on-one conversation – and we call these encounters sacrament, that is a visible and sacred sign instituted by Christ, at times in a confessional and often in two simple chairs in a quiet corner.
Was this Saturday morning encounter visible? Yes.
Sacred? I have no doubt.
Instituted by Christ? Exactly.
This is what we see in the first disciples of Jesus after his resurrection: the presence and action of Christ transforming their fragile and fickle selves into visible participants in divine activity.
Whether any visible sign of healing will continue to bear lasting fruit does depend on our co-operation and our willingness to look beyond ourselves.
These two men had crossed a physical threshold to enter a sacred space with a gaze beyond themselves since they were there to commend to God a good man, a holy man, Francis who sought peace in every situation.
My hope is that these Food For Faith Lent and Easter daily reflections have served to guide each one of us to a greater dependance on God-with-us in Jesus Christ, present and active, working miracles in our lives personally and communally.
Thank you for your company on this Food For Faith pilgrimage.
Thank you for your ongoing prayerful and practical support of this ministry.
Let’s continue to journey together as Pilgrims of Hope – sensitive to the miracles of healing and reconciliation Jesus is working in us, through us and among us.
If you’re still thinking of sharing one experience of God for the next volume of Fifth Gospel Living there is still time. Send to me at john@fff.org.nz
And while these daily reflections conclude today there will still be offerings two or three times a week especially in these Conclave days for those who have subscribed to Regular Posts at this link.
Gratefully
Thank you and may you be blessed abundantly for the time you have taken to share these reflections with us. I look forward to further reflections that feed our faith, bring us hope and inspire us love all in creation. The reflections remind me to notice the presence and action of God in the daily events in my life
John, vale et tu bene vale…
Farewell (for now, John) and go well yourself… and your team…
Gratefully
Thanks be to God Father John for you being such an inspiration and teaching us more and more every day we learnt something every day from your reflection God bless you AMEN
Thank you for your reflections John. I do appreciate them.
Thank you for this Lenten journey and all the reflections. May God be with us all as Pilgrims of Hope. Thank you Father John and your team. Thank you to everyone for the encouraging and thoughtful replies. Easter Blessings
Never thought I would see a photo like this.
I am sure that Francis would have been present.
Your reflections are a gift and inspiration to us all,be blessed Fr John
What a wonderful photo of an encounter of 2 Presidents meeting at this most Sacred place surrounded by The Holy Spirit and the peace-loving late Pope Francis presence to guide them, no press, microphones, advisers etc. May we soon see the fruits of their discussions .
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Thanks so much John, for reflections delivered as always with clarity and warmth.
Gratitude and joy for reflections Fr John . Such encouragement in daily living .
HOPE in a picture !!! Pope Francis first miracle??
God bless you John in your work.
Thank you to you all for the remarkable comments from you everyone. It is most heartening and God bless you Fr John for your diligence in these daily offerings of time and love.
As I seldom see the news, I missed this photo of the presidents. Another miracle no less. Gives us all hope in this year of Jubilee.
Anne