“The whole people gathered as one in the open spaces within Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and Ground Zero and they called upon Francis the Pope to speak for the poor, against evil, for justice, and for love. He brought forth the Good News that our God has given us – Good News prescribed for the whole world.”
“On the 25th day of the ninth month, therefore, Francis the Pope brought his blessings, warnings, and hope-filled words before the assemblies which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand – people of all faiths – and they all listened attentively while taking pictures and selfies.”
This is from the Prophet Nehemiah. Well not quite. I’ve changed his words somewhat. Can’t we just imagine the crowds gathering before this prophet to hear his words. He probably didn’t have as many as 80,000 people in Central Park.
Now, I don’t ever read the New York Post, but last weekend’s edition - especially the front page - caught my eye. And it reminds us of today’s Gospel in which Jesus told his other 72 disciples and now all of us: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few…Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’…Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.”
This front page of the Post provided all of us with this message: “Go with God.” I add, “Bring joy to all around you and to those you meet along the way."
Also, the same-day New York Daily News front-page coverage described, according to Pope Francis at ground zero (9/11): “All places of death can become places of life too, places of saved lives, hymns to the triumph of life over the prophets of destruction and death, to goodness over evil, to reconciliation and unity over hatred and division.”
We are supposed to transform places of death through our words and actions. One way is to recognize someone who is lonely and full of pain, and then offer time and friendship. Another is to simply give the hungry something to eat and bring some light to whatever darkness has taken over their lives. Another is to promote social justice and acts of mercy.
We are to become agents for that transformation. We must create places of life by following Jesus to work against hatred and division, poverty, and inequities. By doing so we help save lives – lives of those who are close to us and who we seek out through your own acts of mercy.
Thank you Pope Francis for your visit and your wisdom!
Deacon David Pierce
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