A Wake-Up Call

Source: allocinema

There is a documentary being shown in theatres that is called: POPE FRANCIS; A MAN OF HIS WORD. It is truly a wake-up call for the world! I was moved by the flashes of reality that are shown throughout this movie. People with baskets on their backs picking up whatever treasures they can find in large waste dumps, injured and hungry children lying in hospital beds, and refugees scrambling into small boats to find a new life because of the tyranny of their homelands.

This Pope is the right man for the times, and when he looks directly into the camera, and speaks to you of the need for change, you can almost understand what he is saying, despite the fact that he is speaking in a foreign language. It is the honesty, sincerity and passion in his demeanor that brings it all directly to your heart. I wish I could have written down some of the text in the sub-titles; amazing food for thought.

How blessed we are to have been given a shepherd like him.

How much he is loved by the people who line the streets wherever he visits, wanting to catch a glimpse of the man who represents Christ for us in these chaotic times.

It would be good if our Protestant brothers and sisters took time to see this documentary. His message is for all Christians, as it is a message of hope and love.  He speaks the truth and does not mince his words about the need for the leaders of the Church to become better listeners. We should all try to do that.

On a personal note, I was working for my Jesuit boss, Father Fred Power,S.J. (Editor of the Canadian Messenger of the Sacred Heart magazine). at the time of the Conclave five years ago. I recall Father coming into my office and saying that he had just heard on the news that the Pope had been chosen.

“He’s a Jesuit from South America,” he said, with a beautiful smile on his face that one of his brothers had just been chosen to lead our church.

Yes, the Holy Father is a Jesuit who practises what he preaches, wanting to make a difference with whatever time God permits.His final message of the how important it is to smile more often, is a reminder for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. Let us greet one another with the joy of the Lord, and that way we will be Messengers of Hope for a world that is full of despair.

Joan Levy Earle

Joan Levy Earle was an author and artist living in Cornwall, Ontario. She was the former Associate Editor of the Canadian Messenger of the Sacred Heart magazine.

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