How has Pope Francis impacted your spirituality so far?

[Sirach2]

It is possible that you are projecting onto me.
I am not negative about Pope Francis. Why would I be. I am negative about the hijacking of the media and the liberals about a man who has only been known for a week.
If you want to accuse me of negativity because I don’t run with arms open to every flashing new shiny thing then go ahead.

The pope and his election is a flashing shiny new “thing?” Excuse me for trying to share any thoughts with you. I see you aren’t ready.

The thread was for those who wanted to share IF and HOW Pope Francis has touched their lives and spirits. Maybe you should have withheld your pen.

 

[shelby_sun]

It is possible that you are projecting onto me.
I am not negative about Pope Francis. Why would I be. I am negative about the hijacking of the media and the liberals about a man who has only been known for a week.
If you want to accuse me of negativity because I don’t run with arms open to every flashing new shiny thing then go ahead.

This Pope may be a great Pope or not. He certainly has potential to be one of the most influential Popes of all time. But after a week it is foolish for the libs to claim him as their own and it is foolish for others to assume he is the best thing since sliced bread.

He is Pope. That is all we know right now. But week one was awesome for him. Too bad week one for the press and PR and agenda driven folk was just a tad bit (ok a lot!) better.

First, I can see why some on this site find your post a bit negative. In your defense (which I am sure you do not need from me) I find you more realistic than negative. For those that want to believe that the Holy Spirit is the only think influencing who is chosen as Pope are just not taking a look at what has happened in the church before and what has been happening recently.

Of course, there is politics in the Vatican and in the Church. Those that don’t think so are also the ones who thought a priest could never molest a child. These are men, simple men trying to serve God, but as men they get off track and sometimes and greed and power take over. I am just glad these men realized there was such a desperate need for a change.

Now for you it is one week of having this change, but for me who has spent my whole life around The Jesuit, we know this change is for real and not about politics. Pope Francis entered The Jesuit order thinking he could never aspire to being the Pope. His mission in life was of poverty, humility, and helping those in need, not to be in the hierarchy of the Church. Just because God has lead him there through JP II decisions, doesn’t mean he has changed his mission and his true calling. I fully expect to see him continue to act the way he has this first week because it is who he is down to his soul.

I said this before, I believe he will talk more about forgiving one another instead of damning others to hell over this sin or that sin. Pope Francis mentioned today that God is much more forgiving to us than we are to each other and in the end He will decide, not any of us on this forum, who will be saved. That’s what I grew up with at a Jesuit parish, love of one another and of God, who is a forgiving God.

 

[Moore11]

The pope and his election is a flashing shiny new “thing?” Excuse me for trying to share any thoughts with you. I see you aren’t ready.

The thread was for those who wanted to share IF and HOW Pope Francis has touched their lives and spirits. Maybe you should have withheld your pen.

Thankfully it is not up to you on if I can comment on how he has or has not impacted my spirituality. Perhaps this is getting too personal for you. For that I am sorry.
Lets just move on. You wont call me negative and I wont call you a pollyanna.

 

[Moore11]

First, I can see why some on this site find your post a bit negative. In your defense (which I am sure you do not need from me) I find you more realistic than negative. For those that want to believe that the Holy Spirit is the only think influencing who is chosen as Pope are just not taking a look at what has happened in the church before and what has been happening recently.

Of course, there is politics in the Vatican and in the Church. Those that don’t think so are also the ones who thought a priest could never molest a child. These are men, simple men trying to serve God, but as men they get off track and sometimes and greed and power take over. I am just glad these men realized there was such a desperate need for a change.

Now for you it is one week of having this change, but for me who has spent my whole life around The Jesuit, we know this change is for real and not about politics. Pope Francis entered The Jesuit order thinking he could never aspire to being the Pope. His mission in life was of poverty, humility, and helping those in need, not to be in the hierarchy of the Church. Just because God has lead him there through JP II decisions, doesn’t mean he has changed his mission and his true calling. I fully expect to see him continue to act the way he has this first week because it is who he is down to his soul.

I said this before, I believe he will talk more about forgiving one another instead of damning others to hell over this sin or that sin. Pope Francis mentioned today that God is much more forgiving to us than we are to each other and in the end He will decide, not any of us on this forum, who will be saved. That’s what I grew up with at a Jesuit parish, love of one another and of God, who is a forgiving God.

Yes, I think that is probable. But even you are putting a personality and agenda on a Pope that you don’t really know anything about.

I wonder what people would have said about Pope benedict the Sixth one week into his papacy. Like I said. We have known this guy for a week. Nobody really knew him before. And we knew Pope John Paul the first for four times as long as this guy and nobody really knows much about him.
Not negative, just don’t understand this idea of attributing to a man things we have no idea of.
I am excited to get to know this man. I just wish we didn;t have to go through the year or so of the media ordaining him the champion of whatever cause they have or the traditianol crowd thinking they are under attack.

Prediction. In two years Pope Francis has regularized the SSPX, cleaned house at the vatican, strongly affirmed the CHurch’s teachings on Birth Control and same sex unions, excomunicated biden and pelosi etc.

My predictions are just as possible as the other side predicting the Obama Papacy…

My mother (who does not understand anything Catholic asked me if I was revitalized and energized now that the Church was going to modernize. As if my faith was something politcal. The idea that the Church needed Hope and CHange is to not understand what the Catholic faith is. And that seems negative to me.

 

[thewanderer]

Yes, I think that is probable. But even you are putting a personality and agenda on a Pope that you don’t really know anything about.

I wonder what people would have said about Pope benedict the Sixth one week into his papacy. Like I said. We have known this guy for a week. Nobody really knew him before. And we knew Pope John Paul the first for four times as long as this guy and nobody really knows much about him.
Not negative, just don’t understand this idea of attributing to a man things we have no idea of.
I am excited to get to know this man. I just wish we didn;t have to go through the year or so of the media ordaining him the champion of whatever cause they have or the traditianol crowd thinking they are under attack.

Prediction. In two years Pope Francis has regularized the SSPX, cleaned house at the vatican, strongly affirmed the CHurch’s teachings on Birth Control and same sex unions, excomunicated biden and pelosi etc.

My predictions are just as possible as the other side predicting the Obama Papacy…

My mother (who does not understand anything Catholic asked me if I was revitalized and energized now that the Church was going to modernize. As if my faith was something politcal. The idea that the Church needed Hope and CHange is to not understand what the Catholic faith is. And that seems negative to me.

Well, if you’re reffering to this thread in general then I think you are a little off the mark. People here aren’t making assertions so much about what the Pope is going to do etc but rather how what they know so far of the Pope has impacted their spiritual lives. Even if the unthinkable were to happen and the Popes humility were somehow shown to be a charade, he would still have given me the motivation to get a more serious start on my spiritual life once again. I don’t need to know what the Pope is going to do to be able to answer the question of how he has impacted my spiritual life.

ETA: well, ok so some people have made predictions about what the pope will do, but since that is off topic in the first place it seems like this thread isn’t really the place to get into a debate about it.

 

[Moore11]

Well, if you’re reffering to this thread in general then I think you are a little off the mark. People here aren’t making assertions so much about what the Pope is going to do etc but rather how what they know so far of the Pope has impacted their spiritual lives. Even if the unthinkable were to happen and the Popes humility were somehow shown to be a charade, he would still have given me the motivation to get a more serious start on my spiritual life once again. I don’t need to know what the Pope is going to do to be able to answer the question of how he has impacted my spiritual life.

ETA: well, ok so some people have made predictions about what the pope will do, but since that is off topic in the first place it seems like this thread isn’t really the place to get into a debate about it.

I am not referring to this thread in general. I am referring to the loud liberal media and type of people that think this man is their cause. And I referring to the other side who think he is going to undo any type of traditional thing in the Church.

But I am also refering to thos who say the “Love” him. It has been 1 weekk people!!!

I love the office of the Pope. I look forward to falling in love with Francis. But I cannot “love” what I do not know.

 

[thewanderer]

I am not referring to this thread in general. I am referring to the loud liberal media and type of people that think this man is their cause. And I referring to the other side who think he is going to undo any type of traditional thing in the Church.

But I am also refering to thos who say the “Love” him. It has been 1 weekk people!!!

I love the office of the Pope. I look forward to falling in love with Francis. But I cannot “love” what I do not know.

lol, ever heard of love at first sight? I can honestly say that I love Pope Francis, because of what he has said and done both as pope and before. If he hasn’t charmed you thats totally fine. Some people just really click without knowing tons about each other. others don’t. Both reactions are totally fine. I don’t really understand your reaction to those, like me, who love him and have been inspired by his example to come closer to Christ.

 

[Sirach2]

lol, ever heard of love at first sight? I can honestly say that I love Pope Francis, because of what he has said and done both as pope and before. If he hasn’t charmed you thats totally fine. Some people just really click without knowing tons about each other. others don’t. Both reactions are totally fine. I don’t really understand your reaction to those, like me, who love him and have been inspired by his example to come closer to Christ.

Thank you, Wanderer. I love him, too, and I’m sure many others world-wide love him and are inspired by his example.

As you said, the topic of the thread is not for speculating on what the pope may or may not do. In fact, it has been derailed long enough.

Please, let us go back to topic. Those who want to prepare a sour wine with regard to the pope, start another thread.

 

[10thCrusader]

Pope Francis has made me think about the value of humility.

He has also made me think about what I can do to ease the sufferings of the poor and rejected. I’m not talking about throwing money at a cause. I’m talking about really reaching out to the poor and acknowledging their human dignity.

 

[cheezey]

Pope Francis has made me think about the value of humility.

He has also made me think about what I can do to ease the sufferings of the poor and rejected. I’m not talking about throwing money at a cause. I’m talking about really reaching out to the poor and acknowledging their human dignity.

me, too…

 

[Brendan]

Pope Francis has made me think about the value of humility…

For me, that has not been the case, at least in any way that differed from the Pontificates of +JPII and +Benedict.

Overall, I have been remarkably impressed with all three men, all clearly demonstrated the virtues becoming of the heir of St. Peter.

Pope Francis is clearly following in the pattern set by +JPII and +Benedict of humble, charitable, pious men who will lead our Church well.

If there is any virtue that this election inspires, it is that of Hope, I see that the Church continues on under strong leadership in the face of an adverse culture.

 

[Tigg]

Tigg, if your faith were strong and true, you would know without a doubt that the Holy Spirit has chosen Pope Francis, and he will guide the Church “infallibly” into Truth according to God’s will, and for the good of all His faithful. This is what we are celebrating, for heaven’s sake. What kind of witness is this to those outside our faith, to express doubts and uncertainty, that perhaps one’s confidence is misplaced, and may be shattered. It says, in effect, “I’m from Missouri - prove yourself to me!”

I am so sorry for those who are unable to experience the spiritual joy that has been bestowed on most of the Church by the Spirit, giving hope, strengthening faith, and birthing a deeper charity.

I’m sorry, Sirach, but you are in no position to judge my faith or the absolute love I have for Holy Mother Church. If I am not giddy with joy it is because I am trying to discern spiritual matters in the quiet of my own heart and not buy into the hype and/or obfuscation spread in the form of stories, reports and anecdotes by those who may have their own agenda. My own spirituality has not been affected - yet. I think it important to remember God’s way is not our way, and personally, whomever became pope was elected because he would best serve God’s will and interest in the end. However that is to come about, no one knows.

If you are happy and jubilant, than I bless you and smile at your joy. But I will wait and watch and listen.

 

[erlembald]

I’m sorry, Sirach, but you are in no position to judge my faith or the absolute love I have for Holy Mother Church. If I am not giddy with joy it is because I am trying to discern spiritual matters in the quiet of my own heart and not buy into the hype and/or obfuscation spread in the form of stories, reports and anecdotes by those who may have their own agenda. My own spirituality has not been affected - yet. I think it important to remember God’s way is not our way, and personally, whomever became pope was elected because he would best serve God’s will and interest in the end. However that is to come about, no one knows.

If you are happy and jubilant, than I bless you and smile at your joy. But I will wait and watch and listen.

Concerns and reservations about how the world (secular media etc.) reacts to the election of this Pope should not be taken for reservation towards the Pope himself! If you have any idea of how the media work, it is quite clear that after having put him on a pedestal, they will soon gleefully try to knock him down again. I.e., taking the glass brimming over with water and then pouring it out and throwing it against the wall in a fit of self-righteous indignation. Of course, this should not have an adverse effect on the faith of Catholics, but it will nevertheless be painful. Or who could honestly say that the media persecution of the Church with regard to the abuse scandal hasn’t pained him/her?
Apart from that, remember what His Holiness himself said right at the beginning: “Christ is the centre, not the Successor of Peter”. So a new Pope should indeed have an effect on our religious life, but I doubt his election should change our spirituality.

 

[QuestingKnight]

Personally, I was delighted when I learned that he was conservative and then deflated when I understood that ‘conservative’ means ‘not actually in favour of homosexual women priests’, as far as the non-Catholic world is concerned.

I don’t know what ‘spirituality’ means, these days. I get the impression it’s a substitute for have a core set of unchanging moral beliefs authored by God (i.e a religion!)

As in “I very spirtichool” says the hippy chick who’s “into” crystals.

So, my spirituality is remains unaffected in the past week (checks nimbus)

 

[mgpm]

I was excited for a new Pope. I respect and admire Pope Benedict, but I did not have the same warm feeling for him as I did JPII. I don’t know why. But I just didn’t.

I was somewhat anxious when the new Pope was announced. But when he walked out, when they said his name would be Francis, and then when he bowed to receive the people’s prayers…I was totally bowled over with emotion. Love for him just flooded my heart. In the days since his election, this feeling has only increased.

I realize “feeling” isn’t the end all and be all. But I’m an intuitive person, and God speaks to me this way, many times. And I honestly believe that in this moment, Pope Francis is exactly what we need.

I am full of hope and love for our new Pope. May God bless him always.

 

[Sirach2]

I realize “feeling” isn’t the end all and be all. But I’m an intuitive person, and God speaks to me this way, many times. And I honestly believe that in this moment, Pope Francis is exactly what we need.

I am full of hope and love for our new Pope. May God bless him always.

This was my reaction also. I am reminded of your words of how God speaks to us. Anyone who understands how the “God of all consolation” (2 Cor. 1:3) comforts us with His heavenly joy, will likewise feel assurance that Pope Francis is His gift to us for this time in history. I look for many of his gifts to be manifest in the coming months as he serves us as our Supreme Shepherd.

 

[JReducation]

I believe that this man is going to teach us a great deal about charity. I just heard a Franciscan non-clerical friar from Argentina tell the most wonderful story.

It seems that the day after the election, Pope Francis made calls to many people back home for different reasons. When he was archbishop, he had the newspaper delivered to his apartment daily. The next day, he called the paper delivery man. When the man asked who’s calling, His Holiness responded, “This is Father Jorge.” No one in Buenos Aires called him Cardinal or Bishop. He was always Father.

The gentleman at the other end thought that it was some clown making fun of the pope and started to curse and holler. The Holy Father had to prove that he was whom he said he was.

When the commotion died down, the Holy Father said, “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be needing the paper anymore. How much do I owe you?”

Brother also told story that Father Jorge would collect the plastic bags and gumbands used to wrap the newspaper. At the end of each month, he would take them back to the paper man so that they would not go to waste.

I thought that was very special. It’s something that Ignatius would do.

 

[Sirach2]

I believe that this man is going to teach us a great deal about charity. I just heard a Franciscan non-clerical friar from Argentina tell the most wonderful story.

It seems that the day after the election, Pope Francis made calls to many people back home for different reasons. When he was archbishop, he had the newspaper delivered to his apartment daily. The next day, he called the paper delivery man. When the man asked who’s calling, His Holiness responded, “This is Father Jorge.” No one in Buenos Aires called him Cardinal or Bishop. He was always Father.

The gentleman at the other end thought that it was some clown making fun of the pope and started to curse and holler. The Holy Father had to prove that he was whom he said he was.

When the commotion died down, the Holy Father said, “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be needing the paper anymore. How much do I owe you?”

Brother also told story that Father Jorge would collect the plastic bags and gumbands used to wrap the newspaper. At the end of each month, he would take them back to the paper man so that they would not go to waste.

I thought that was very special. It’s something that Ignatius would do.

I watched it, too, Brother JR – EWTN Live. He had a most delightful accent and was such an interesting speaker. I forget his name. Incidentally, in my neck of the woods, “gumbands” is a phrase that most people lovingly joke about almost as frequently as “yuns.” I was not aware that this is commonly used anywhere else but here. It was our identifying colloquialism. We sell T-shirts at the airport with a whole list of them.

 

[JReducation]

I watched it, too, Brother JR – EWTN Live. He had a most delightful accent and was such an interesting speaker. I forget his name. Incidentally, in my neck of the woods, “gumbands” is a phrase that most people lovingly joke about almost as frequently as “yuns.” I was not aware that this is commonly used anywhere else but here. It was our identifying colloquialism. We sell T-shirts at the airport with a whole list of them.

His name is Brother Tarcisius Maria, FFV. He’s a non clerical friar. I only mention this, because people often think that we who are religious men and not ordained are not priests because we’re dumb or too lazy to go to school. Brother is a lawyer, theologian and now studying to be a philosopher. He’s from Argentina. He’s absolutely insightful and a delightful person. I love being around him. He looks like a kid to begin with. He’s often teased about that.

I’m from central VA. We use gumbands, drink pop, eat hoagies, and we’ll see ya’ll later.

 

[NikitaRhea]

Did any of you notice a change in attitude that caused you to make changes in your customary life with Our Lord?

In what way?

As a convert, I am still getting use to knowing Benedict XVI (who in a sense was my spiritual director for he helped bring me to Christ and His Church) is not Pope. I find Pope Francis is a good and humble man, but I guess as of yet there have been no changes other than praying for Pope Francis.

I love our new Spiritual Father, but I am wanting to know what he will do next. I think what makes me uncomfortable right now is the secular media using his Papacy as the Papacy of changes. Mind you there might be changes, but I will never know until it happens.

There is my opinion.