How fitting that Pope Francis came to the United States from Cuba, a country with whom we have a long history of friction and distrust. It was indicative of his core message of reconciliation and healing. By so doing, he also modeled the immigrant experience and touched an inflamed nerve in this country.That’s what he does so well: enact his theology with his feet on the ground, whether by eschewing elaborate vestments, living in a small guest house rather than lavish papal quarters, or traveling by bus and Fiat. I am reminded of the oft quoted admonition to Christian clergy: “Preach the gospel always and when absolutely necessary use words.”
At a mass he lead in Cuba, he said the church wants to be one “that goes forth from home to build bridges, break down walls and sow seeds of reconciliation.”
His visit casts into sharp focus the unfortunate rhetoric we’ve been subjected to of late – like putting up walls on our southern border to keep the migrants and refugees out. Imagine a wall against the Pope!
I particularly admire the practical, elemental way he lives his beliefs. Imagine setting out from our homes each morning to build bridges, break down walls and sow seeds of reconciliation.
I tried it yesterday and it wasn’t easy. First I had to identify a person or situation I felt separated from or someone against whom I’d effectively erected a wall. Upon reflection it seemed to me that right now I’m not in serious conflict with anyone in my circle of work and friends. Certainly there are people I’ve neglected but this isn’t due to serious conflict. And therein lies the rub: I live an enclosed existence; my circle is pretty small.
So I went into Burlington, parked my car, walked down the street and stopped at the first person I met who was sitting on the pavement behind a cardboard sign wishing me a good day. I asked if I could join him for a bit. We got talking. My head swirled from his story of friction with landlords, friends and dealers. Unlike me, he’s going through a stretch marked by rift and separation. I gave him some suggestions for agencies to contact, social services that might help. He told me he’d called them all and no one would help. I felt pretty useless when I got up to leave an hour later. Then he said, “But this helps. Thank you. Come again.”
We might say the same to Pope Francis.
