I apologise for the fact that there this episode is a day late (and also for those or you reading on the blog there has not been a post since Holy Thursday). I had originally intended for there to be a new video yesterday, and I had originally planned for that video to be about Easter Monday and the Easter Octave. However, the plan was going to change in the morning. I had woken up, and before I had really even done anything, my mom informed me that Pope Francis had passed away.
Now, this is a day late, and many other Catholics have covered this, the first I saw was Trent Horn, and I did also see some later coverage on Twitter and Facebook as well as Instagram, and then I also saw some other coverage on youtube from Matt Fradd, and then later Fr. Leo. I also enjoy the coverage offered by Voice of Reason.
Pope Francis passed away following Easter. His passing brings upon a nine day long mourning period, as well as preperations for his funeral and conclave. We also now enter a period of sede vacante, or "empty seat".
Above all, I want to recall one of the things Pope Francis taught us the most about. Above all, we have been blessed to have a great pastor in the last three popes, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis (the First). Above all, all three of them will shape the way we, at least in this generation, live out the faith.
I want to remember what Pope Francis taught, and what he called this Jubilee year to be, hope. Pope Francis not only passed following Easter, but today, as this video is made, is also Earth Day. I want you to remember the video I made not long ago, "Be the Change". In fact, my most recent thumbnails have featured Pope Francis, including "Be the Change" and "Cafeteria Catholicism". In, "Be the Change", I talk about Laudato Si', in part, as well as care for the enviornment. Pope Francis was known for his pastoral zeal, care for not only the souls, but also for their enviornment and communities. As wel celebrate Earth Day, let us remember the "care for our common home", as it is put in Laudato Si'. Also, if you have not seen the "Be the Change" episode, I would recomend checking it out.
Above all, let's look at the last days of Francis's life. The Holy Father spent over a month in hosptial care in Rome. However, even in the hospital he countined his work as the Pontiff. After this, we was supposed to say home and recover. But during Holy Week, he made appearances around Rome, including visiting a hosptial on Holy Thursday, and celebrating Evening Prayer on Easter. He also made an appearance from the balcony on Easter, giving a blessing, and wishing the world a Happy Easter.
Above all, as Voice of Reason points out, the timing of Pope Francis's death could not have been more perfect. Why you ask? His death was not in a hospital, was probably not hooked up to machines. It also was not when it was excpected during Lent, but rather, it was during Easter, one of the most joyful times of the year, in Celebration of our Lord's resurection, for our salvation.
That is why his death could not have been better times, just like the passing of Pope John Paul II, that took place during the end of the Easter Octave, before Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast day which he gave to the church. This time reminds us of the hope we have for our own resurection, at the end of time. And the life we desire to live with God in heaven, and then for eternity.
Hope is a significant message of the pope, especiallu in the Jubille year, "The Year of Hope", which he gave us. I remember what Augustine spoke of in the passing of his mother, they were not sad, they did not cry, rather they rejoiced that his mother would be with the Lord, that she would certainly be there in heaven. That should be our care for the pope, of commiting his soul to the Lord.
While death is a reminder of our mortal frailty, we should remember, most especially in this Easter Season, the transforming death of Christ, which transformed death for us, into a blessed hope of living with him, in excpectation of the Final Resurection.
Pope Francis may be remembered with mixed thoughts, and this next pope could be a big decider of the church. Above all, there is much speculation for "who the next pope is", and above all we must remember to trust God, and to trust the spirit, that he will fill the Cardinal Electors, and guide them in electing the new pope. Above all, we should hope for as great a shepherd we had in Pope Francis (and then too in Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI).
Let us pray for Pope Francis, and for the universal church. And I wish you all a blessed Easter Octave Week.
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