This is going to be a very interesting week, an interesting week indeed! Pope Benedict’s resignation takes effect at 8:00 p.m. Thursday (2:00 p.m. EST). Then on Friday, March 1st, the sequester takes place and government begins curtailing services, unless Congress does something about it. That’s probably as sure a thing as me being elected the next Pope!!! But miracles do happen!!!
But just in case a miracle does happen and I’m chosen, I already have two possibilities for a papal name. One is Pope Mary Catherine, in honor of Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Siena, two women whom I deeply admire. Plus … they knew how to deal with the “old boys club.” I chuckle to think of the consternation that would afflict everyone were I to choose that name!!! The other name was Peter William. Why that? Well, Popes are given nicknames. John Paul was JP2, and Benedict was B16. I’d be called PeeWee. Cool, huh?
Now that you’ve stopped laughing (or gotten over your shock as the case may be) …
I hesitate going into the Scripture for this coming Sunday because some parishes will have the readings for Cycle A while others will use the readings for this year’s Cycle C. It depends on whether or not a parish has catechumens preparing for Baptism or full incorporation into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
But on thing I will say for sure: this needs to be a special week of prayer for our Church and our Nation. You know as well as I do that both groups are struggling, and a firm but gentle hand is needed to guide our Church and government out of the difficulties facing us. I put more hope in the Church, because the Holy Spirit has promised to be with us. The Government … well … less hope … there’s too much dysfunction.
Here is where Sunday’s First Reading from Cycle C comes into play: the Lord calls Moses from tending the sheep and asks him to lead his people out of Egypt. May God grant us the leadership we need, as opposed to a leadership that suits our agendas and personal preferences.
Be God’s smile for someone today!
Fr. Herb, C.S.C.
