I came across a show on TV a few days ago about Pope Francis. I’ve always found this man to be interesting so I decided to watch. I’m sure everyone saw the little boy that climbed the Vatican stage, stood at the Pope’s side & wondered around the stage last October. I was impressed that this man allowed the little boy to stay, even patting him on the head a couple of times, & didn’t force him away.
When first named Pope, & during his first speech to the people, he bowed & asked the people to pray for him, referring to himself as “their shepherd”. He ended that speech in a "Good night and sleep well”, in which these things were just never done by another Pope.
He made his home in an apartment suite instead of the vast Vatican palace used as the official papal residence without saying when, or even if, he would move into the papal residence. He has shunned much of the Vatican tradition by choosing simpler & less costly alternatives when it comes to his clothes and & his accessories. He has a no-frills lifestyle & his focus is on humility.
He once told the people "Do not be men and women of sadness; a Christian can never be sad!" I’ve always had the idea that a Christian should be happy. I know some Christians that walk around like they’re miserable! He also mentioned that you can’t be a Christian part-time, that it should be full time. Most that I know are what I call Sunday/Wednesday Christians.
This Pope was criticized for washing & kissing the feet of two young women at a juvenile detention center. He was also criticized for embracing the disfigured, disabled & downtrodden, to any number of small acts of kindness.
Speaking to the ones that were offended, Francis made mention of the fact that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion in a gesture of love.
He said that people should help one another, that it’s what Jesus teaches. He said it’s what he does, & that he does it with his heart because it’s his duty. That as a priest & bishop, he must be at the people’s service.
This man seems to be a natural, I see/hear no pretending in what he does/speaks. So many Christians these days talk the talk, there is no walk except what it takes to walk into a church. People like Bill Gray & Contendah despise the Catholic religion & what they stand for. They, and many “Christians” would do well to learn from Pope Francis.