The Words of Pope Benedict XVI
As you all know by now, Pope Benedict has arrived in the United States, and he has visited President George Bush at the White House. Yet again, the pontiff's vision and methods are clear from his opening remarks during that brief meeting with our country's chief executive.
There are more than a few thoughts in that address that are worthy of consideration, but time limits that exercise. The focus of this post, then, will be directed toward the final paragraph of the written text. After reading those words, it is most difficult to understand how people still hold such scathing hatred of this wise, charitable, and holy man.
Pope Benedict offers a great deal of admiration and respect for our country: "America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes." His analysis is unbelievably accurate! There is no other secular nation that provides as much aid to those in dire need throughout the world (e.g., Red Cross, UNICEF, etc.), and applauds that fact.
There is one word, however, that must be highlighted: "traditionally." The Pope, while recognizing such remarkable national charity, does not fail to point out that such a statement is not true in all situations at all times. America has dropped the proverbial ball on several key aspects of "meeting immediate human needs." Oh, how he wishes (and we wish, too) that he could point out the protection of the dignity and right to life of every person, born and unborn. (There is no doubt that this will also be a theme of his message to the United Nations.)
Yes, indeed, our Holy Father has reminded this nation in no uncertain terms that we have the potential and duty to do important things for human dignity and rights. We can campaign for "concern for the greater human family," and we can show "support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress." Only then, Pope Benedict says, will the world be a place where "truth, freedom and justice can flourish;" and where the "God-given dignity and rights of every man, women and child are cherished, protected, and effectively advanced."
Pray for the United States. Pray that Americans will heed the wisdom of the Holy Father and experience conversion of mind and heart. Pray that Truth will reign!
There are more than a few thoughts in that address that are worthy of consideration, but time limits that exercise. The focus of this post, then, will be directed toward the final paragraph of the written text. After reading those words, it is most difficult to understand how people still hold such scathing hatred of this wise, charitable, and holy man.
Pope Benedict offers a great deal of admiration and respect for our country: "America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes." His analysis is unbelievably accurate! There is no other secular nation that provides as much aid to those in dire need throughout the world (e.g., Red Cross, UNICEF, etc.), and applauds that fact.
There is one word, however, that must be highlighted: "traditionally." The Pope, while recognizing such remarkable national charity, does not fail to point out that such a statement is not true in all situations at all times. America has dropped the proverbial ball on several key aspects of "meeting immediate human needs." Oh, how he wishes (and we wish, too) that he could point out the protection of the dignity and right to life of every person, born and unborn. (There is no doubt that this will also be a theme of his message to the United Nations.)
Yes, indeed, our Holy Father has reminded this nation in no uncertain terms that we have the potential and duty to do important things for human dignity and rights. We can campaign for "concern for the greater human family," and we can show "support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress." Only then, Pope Benedict says, will the world be a place where "truth, freedom and justice can flourish;" and where the "God-given dignity and rights of every man, women and child are cherished, protected, and effectively advanced."
Pray for the United States. Pray that Americans will heed the wisdom of the Holy Father and experience conversion of mind and heart. Pray that Truth will reign!
