The darkness of mourning is over; dawn is here with the new Pope
Purple Catholic Saturday Post
Good morning and happy Saturday. I am very pleased that I have been able to wake up the past two mornings knowing we have a new Holy Father.
When a family member or friend (or indeed a pastor or pope) passes away, the world around us can seem like it empties and slows down. A void is created by the loss of that person. It can feel like night, dark and gloomy.
Undoubtedly, the disciples felt this void following the crucifixion of our Lord. Only Mary Magdalene was granted sight of the Lord on his resurrection day; recall that when Peter and John saw the tomb, they walked away “wondering at what had happened” (Luke 24:12).
When Pope Francis died and we entered a period of mourning, it was like the sun going down. The pontificate of Francis had ended, and night had drawn in. We had no shepherd, no one to lead us on our spiritual journey and mission to bring all to Christ.
When Jesus appears to the disciples and makes his ascension into Heaven, he leaves the disciples with the great commission. No longer are they to mill about aimlessly, without purpose, wondering what to do. No, Jesus left them with this command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Similar to this great commission, we are not to feel aimless or empty now that the Chair of Peter is occupied again.
The cardinal-electors of our Church have entrusted this man, Pope Leo XIV, to shepherd us and guide us at this time. Just as St. Peter led the early Church (as we are reading at Mass in Acts of the Apostles), Pope Leo XIV will lead us into the second third of the 21st century.
There are far more qualified people to comment on his pastoral style and speculate what his priorities might be, and I will leave that to them.
Our task is to listen to him, follow him, and pray for him. He now has the authority to bind and loose.
There is a maxim often attributed St. Augustine, although it appears to come from elsewhere, and is quoted by St. John XXIII in his encyclical Ad Petri Cathedram from 1959. The maxim is: In essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity. Given this concept’s connection to St. Augustine and other Augustinians throughout history, I do not believe it unreasonable to think this may guide this new pontificate. Time will tell.
Just remember that, regardless of how Pope Leo XIV legislates or preaches, he is the rightful successor to St. Peter. This is a cause of rejoicing.
After our dark days of mourning for Pope Francis, a new light has shown, and dawn is here.
Here are several excellent reports on the new Holy Father:
Read Pope Leo XIV’s first homily as pontiff - National Catholic Register
Guess who’s coming to dinner? The future pope! - John Allen, Jr. in Crux
My unplanned week in Rome for a papal election - Amy Welborn in Catholic World Report
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. At Mass we will hear Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14-17; and John 10:27-30.
Here is calendar for the rest of the week:
Monday, 12 May - Memorial of Saints Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs (optional) or Memorial of Saint Pancras, martyr (optional)
Tuesday, 13 May - Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima (optional)
Thursday, 15 May - Memorial of St. Isidore (optional)*
*This memorial is moved to 15 May in Dioceses in the United States.
I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me,
John 10:14
In the news:
The United States
Explosive device detonates on altar of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania adoration chapel - The Pillar
The Vatican
Pope Leo XIV notes even some baptized Christians “in state of practical atheism” - Crux
Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV to be held on May 18 - Vatican News
The World
Maltese government mulls assisted suicide bill - Times of Malta
Have a good weekend,
Matthew