TERESITA TANSECO-CRUZ
My battle cry in the ongoing struggle to reject my ego and avoid falling straight into the pit has been, “What would Jesus do?”
Then along comes Jorge Bergoglio or Pope Francis, in his cassock…not on lofty terrain but on the ground. No fancy Vatican residence for him. Just like his resting place.
The wealth of articles, interviews, reflections on our beloved Pope Francis from various parts of the world remains unabated.
As I dwell on the messages and am left in constant awe, I start thinking of how Pope Francis quite simply reminds me of Jesus in the manner of love, how both of them showed us…
Love that is not choosy. Some or many may not recognize or just push God aside, but in Jesus’ encompassing embrace for all humanity, there is always unfailing love, hope, and mercy waiting. How Francis understood and lived that!
Love that’s Courageous. It stands strong and steadfast amidst any onslaught of criticism or the physical exhaustion of travelling all over the place to be present face to face to the Shepherd’s flock.
Love that’s joyful. The generous smiles and naughty humor were not for a “photo op” or publicity shots. They were authentic, genuine, from-the-heart connectivity with every person Pope Francis met.
Love that is humble and trusting.
So Francis’ first act as Pope was to emerge at that balcony to say “I am a sinner” and was known to have asked constantly for prayers for the rest of his life. Christ was without sin but prayed, prayed to the Father without fail.
Love that gathered the children in hugs and song and all manner of heartwarming attention and affection.
I have obviously met Jesus only in my heart, my seeking and prayers, but Pope Francis has made Jesus so much more real and relatable on the human side, in the now and the everyday of life on earth. Francis was a humble embodiment of Christ with no drama. I believe he was simply being himself in the company of God, a saintly disciple immersed among us.
Pope Francis is gone from this earth, leaving us in profound sadness.
Yet his joy remains with us… I feel it in my constant asking and praying to live Love and Faith in Action: “What would Jesus do?”
Our love-driven God thinks of everything.