Week of Surprise

I believe my Monday morning was similar to most people's this week. I awoke to hear that Pope Benedict XVI had resigned as Pope.

There has been much talk and speculation surrounding this move and I will not take this week as an opportunity to forcast or comment on what lays next. There are weeks ahead for that.

Instead, I would like to invite us to do what some have suggested: pray.

We pray for Pope Benedict; for his life and ministry. As turbulent as his papacy was it was nevertheless founded upon the Apostles and the work of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, his human weakness shone through these last years of Church history but, likewise, so did his deep love for Christ.

I consider the work of this pope similar to what I would of an aging parent. We are all limited in our perspective of what is needed and what is not. Our life experience shapes us and allows us to be the men and women we are today. I believe that many, myself included, who had hoped for change within the church, were patiently waiting for a new epiphany. As with all change in the church, it takes generations. I never have felt that this would have been a pontiff who would have embraced change.

There was much, by way of fidelity to Christ, that was illustrated through his life. The trilogy on the life of Jesus is spectacular and touching. The encyclicals which he wrote are inspiring. Pope Benedict will leave these as a legacy.

We pray for him these days and the time will come, shortly, when we will pray for his successor. Let us put aside names for now. Let us let the past be the past. Let us pray for him who exercised obedience to God which ultimately led him to this reality of retirement.

Tomorrow....is indeed, another day.

On Gratitude

Among virtues, gratitude is a grace that is at the very foundation of christian life. It teaches us on many levels. At first glance most of us would agree that we make an effort to be grateful for the gifts we have: family, health, work, children, a spouse, a parent, even God.

Genuine gratitude teaches me to remain in the present moment; to pause and to reflect on where I am at this step of life's journey. Many of you are aware that I am a recovering alcoholic. These years of recovery have not been easy but have been grace-filled. One way that I remain committed in sobriety is by cultivating an atmosphere of gratitude.

I can to easily recall the chaos of my life when I was drinking. I can to easily fall into self-recrimination. I can to easily find an excuse to drink today if I am not mindful of the gifts I have this day, this hour, this moment.

Here is a little reminder of the importance of gratitude which I found. I hope you can take a moment to watch it and experience the grace of gratitude.