My First Pope
Since I’ve only been a Catholic for five years Pope Benedict was my first pope. I had no knowledge of John Paul II, the Second Vatican Council, or the Catholic Church in general until I was baptized back in June 2008. By that time Benedict XVI had already been serving as the successor of Peter for three years. At this point in my faith journey I knew him in name only and had no real knowledge of or connection with him as my pope.
Actually, it is only in this past year that I have really come to know and love Pope Benedict. As I’ve grown into the Church, I’ve gained a greater understanding of the role of the Pope and bishops. I’ve learned that the Pope is not a powerful man, but a humble man to say yes to God and have such great responsibility put on his shoulders.
His Wisdom
It’s been mostly through his writings that I have come know Pope Benedict XVI. From his encyclicals and apostolic exhortations like Deus Caritas Est “God is Love” to his books on many themes like Jesus of Nazareth trilogy, I’ve learned so much about my faith. He has helped me to grow deeper in understanding of my faith and I am humbled when I read how profound his wisdom and knowledge of the Church and the world really are. I’ll share my recommended reading from Benedict later on.
His Spirituality
Not only is he a great teacher and theologian, but he is a deeply prayerful man. In my own busy life I find so many distractions to keep me from God and the pressure of the world is often times overwhelming. I cannot even begin to imagine the weight on the shoulders of the Pope. Yet Benedict shows us that it’s not about him, but Jesus Christ working through him. Seeing him bowed down in prayer as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane asking and begging for the will of God to be done in him and through him. That inspires me to be a better intercessor, a prayerful husband and father.
His Humility
Under the fancy robes and Pope-mobiles lies an humble heart. To be able to put the will of God before your own, especially when it comes at the cost of your physical health, is a sign of humility. Benedict knew going into his pontificate that it would take a toll on him and as we’ve learned through his resignation that has become obvious. He in no way wants to leave the Church behind, but doesn’t want his weakened health to be a stumbling block for the New Evangelization. By being able to step aside and let another take up the reins is an act of humility. How often are we willing to give up our power, to step out of the limelight? Our pride prevents us from doing such things and the humility of Pope Benedict XVI is more than inspirational.
The Pastoral Priorities of Pope Benedict XVI
There are three topics that have been the primary priority of Pope Benedict XVI in his short eight years as our shepherd: relationship with God, the Bible, and the Eucharist.
Relationship with God
To know that Pope Benedict XVI has done so much to bring us back to the basics, the fundamentals of our faith is laudable. I believe the top priority of his pontificate has been to remind people what Catholicism, the Church is all about. He has brought us back to Jesus and invited us to renew our relationship with God or to become His friend if we haven’t already. For it is around our relationship with God that everything else flows. This seems so simple and obvious, but I will admit that I had forgotten this along the way. My study of God had outweighed my relationship with God, and that is never healthy. So I am thankful that Pope Benedict has reminded me of that.
For more from Pope Benedict on relationship with God read Porta Fidei.
The Bible
Continually, he has reminded us also to dive into the scriptures. Our relationship with God should cause us to seek to know Him more intimately and since He has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word, it is always a good place to turn. A brilliant theologian, but also a deeply prayerful man, Pope Benedict has taught us the importance of studying the Bible, but also of praying with the Bible. We’ve got to use our head and our heart, faith and reason.
For more from Pope Benedict on the Bible read Verbum Domini and Jesus of Nazareth.
The Eucharist
Pope Benedict has also reminded us of the importance of the Eucharist. It is the “source and summit” of our faith. Everything revolves around the Eucharist, for it is Jesus Christ. It’s more than just something Catholics do. The Eucharist is what makes us Catholic. The Eucharist is what gives us life. The Eucharist is what unites us. What a gift!
For more from Pope Benedict on the Eucharist read Sacramentum Caritatis.
Goodbye Pope Emeritus
As we say goodbye to our beloved Pope Benedict XVI he will go into a monastery to continue his life in deep prayer for the Church and I hope possibly some more writing! But let us pray for him that the Lord will grant him peace and comfort though his health has worsened. I’m going to miss him, but I’m thankful for the legacy he has left us and for his service as our german shepherd. God bless Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI!