A Few Words

2005-4-6 05:57:00

I thought I would finish my comments on the Pope tonight.

Sharon writes:

...and millions upon millions will recognize him... along with the rest of what JJ wrote yesterday could certainly be applied to Pope John Paul as brought out by his passing. Here in Spain, the crowds are incredible in reference to his leadership and being the Pope in their honoring of him. Chuches are incredibly crowded and all TV stations are showing nothing else.

Hope you are having a good time over there Sharon. I got to give you credit for being so enterprising.

Sharon was commenting on our explanation on Revelation that one who opens the seven seals will be recognized by many millions. Does this mean that the Pope has opened the seven seals since his death has drawn so much attention?

Not quite. When a famous person dies such as a pope, a president, a queen, a movie star etc. millions of people will pay their respects. And why are they doing this?

Because the person is a pope, a president, a queen or a movie star.

There is a big difference between one who draws attention because of opening the seals when compared to the attention garnered by fame or position alone.

The impact the person who opens the seals makes will continue after his death and his fame will often increase and his words will be quoted because he speaks eternal words.

How many kings, presidents and popes do we quote or even remember 100 years after they are gone? Not many. He who has opened the seals will be remembered and his influence will be strong for centuries, sometime millennia.

That said let me give you my opinion of Pope John Paul II. I think that John Paul I would have been remembered for generations. After he died I think we were lucky to get as good of a pope as we did in JPII. I do not think he was of the caliber as the pope he replaced, but I he was above average. I think he will be seen by historians on par with Pope John the 23rd.

On the positive side he was true to his principles and defended the moral principles of the Catholic Church.

His biggest accomplishment is that he helped to bring down the Soviet empire by supporting the solidarity movement in Poland. He approved money and printed materials as well as moral support to the enemies of communism.

He forgave the man who shot him setting a great example of forgiveness. This person now respects the Pope and expressed a desire to attend his funeral.

On the negative side he had the opportunities to make many reforms and did not do them.

He did little to make corrections in the problem of molestation before and after they became public. The Vatican ignored this problem for some time even after it hit the press.

The earth has been filled with people as commanded in Genesis so it is time to allow for birth control.

He rarely spoke out against tyrants, but did condemn the United States every time we fought against them.

John Paul I was cleaning house in the Vatican when he mysteriously died. John Paul II returned to the status quo.

I think he gave very boring speeches, as most religious leaders do. I hope the next pope can say a few words that are stimulating for those who are not enamored with his position.

May he rest in peace.

Never complain. Never explain. Katherine Hepburn