Spiritual freedom on display

By Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Pope Benedict’s resignation shows immense spiritual freedom.

Rare is the person who can, and will, relinquish such power voluntarily. It is an example of what St. Ignatius Loyola meant by being “disponible,” available, free of any disordered attachments, in order to be able to follow the will of God.

Pope John Paul II was free enough to carry on in the midst of a difficult illness, and in the face of having to show to the public his obvious infirmities; Pope Benedict is free enough to accept his inability to carry on as he believes God would want him to.

Spiritual freedom is on display today.

[This reflection on Pope Benedict’s retirement appeared on Fr. Martin’s Facebook page.]