December 17 is the birthday of Pope Francis. Even before his birthday and being named person of the year by TIME Magazine, he was the most talked about person on Facebook, outpacing even Miley Cyrus were her twerking and her tongue! Who would have thought that the pope could generate such interest without being involved in some kind of scandal?
The pope has become famous for his simple ways, for his compassion for all people, for his concern for the poor, for his desire to give women more of a role in the church, and for his humility. Basically, the pope has generated such notoriety simply by being himself, a follower of Jesus.
So many of the things that have attracted attention and interest relating to the pope are the basics of the Christian life. Things we see in the life of Jesus. Things that are present in the birth stories of Jesus. Jesus is born to poor parents. They are living in a situation of oppression. They don’t have full human rights. They live a materially simple life. They are not of high status or privilege. In the life and ministry of Jesus, we see the embodiment of humility. We see the choice to serve. We see compassion and sensitivity to all people especially those of little account. We see the equal valuing of every human life. Just as we see in the life of Pope Francis.
What people see and admire in the pope is what should be seen in all Christians. It is the incarnation of the way of Christ. And it should not be such a surprise least of all to Christians.
All I can say is that it is refreshing to have the pope show the world the face of the Christian church in way that so emulates the way of Jesus. It is refreshing to see such a positive presentation of Christianity to the world. It’s refreshing to see the church receiving notoriety for something good.
In this season as we celebrate the light of God coming into the world it is wonderful to see that light shining for all the world through Pope Francis who, incidently, has over 10 million Twitter followers and is one of the 50 most followed people on Twitter. Happy Birthday, Pope Francis!
In the word was life,
and that life was humanity’s light –
a Light shining in the darkness,
a light that the darkness has never overtaken.
John 1: 4-5
Prayer: In this season of shortened days and light at an odd angle, we are aware of the light of God coming into the world through Christ Jesus. May we look for that light. May we be led by that light. And may others see that light in us. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 