Begin again

July 13, 2015

By Tom Quiner

A pope can never be fully appreciated in his time.

Pope Paul VI was ahead of his time in his warnings on the sexual revolution and the contraception culture.

Pope John Paul II was perhaps the greatest religious philosopher the papacy has seen.

Pope Benedict XVI may have been the greatest theologian the papacy has ever seen.

Pope Francis won’t be able to be appreciated for years to come, but he calls us to a deeper relationship with Christ with a real emphasis on God’s relentless mercy. We need to hear that message over and over again.

Pope Benedict found himself positioned between two “rock stars” in his papacy. The media was particularly tough on him. And yet he has been such a gift to the world.

His quote above is an example of his gentle wisdom. Each of us sins. Chances are, we’re committing the same sins over the years.

Pope Benedict reminds us to never give up in our pursuit of holiness. Begin again. God loves our effort, and He is merciful. Holiness grows through this effort.

Never give up on your quest for holiness.

Posted in Faith, Religion and tagged Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, Pope Paul VI

5 Comments

encourage the faithful on July 13, 2015 at 2:07 pm

When I think of our Emeritus Pope I get tears in my eyes because his faith and works helped me to take my faith into my heart not just into my mind. I became spiritual under his guidance and holiness. Yes, even before he was touted as a great and spiritual theologian by the Catholic media, that thought was already established in my mind. I learned how to be a more humble and grateful person by his example. When I need succor because of the prevalent secular schism from faith and reason, I turn to his writings which are truthful, prophetic and which possess a beauty that is as close to the divine as we can get here on earth. Yes, Tom, he is a man of gentle wisdom. Those words describe him perfectly.

quinersdiner on July 13, 2015 at 2:13 pm

Thanks so much. Just hearing from you makes me want to pick up one of his books. Thanks for writing.

calittox on July 13, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Reblogged this on CalittoX.

Tom Maly on July 13, 2015 at 4:09 pm

Cardinal Dolan at the Christ Our Life Conference in Des Moines last Fall; John Paul II revived the SOUL of the church – Benedict XVI the HEAD of the church and Francis is setting about to revive the HEART of the church. Powerful words powerfully delivered. All 3 are absolutely remarkable men.

quinersdiner on July 13, 2015 at 4:16 pm

Thanks for the reminder, Tom. Cardinal Dolan gave a powerful presentation.

encourage the faithful on July 13, 2015 at 2:07 pm

When I think of our Emeritus Pope I get tears in my eyes because his faith and works helped me to take my faith into my heart not just into my mind. I became spiritual under his guidance and holiness. Yes, even before he was touted as a great and spiritual theologian by the Catholic media, that thought was already established in my mind. I learned how to be a more humble and grateful person by his example. When I need succor because of the prevalent secular schism from faith and reason, I turn to his writings which are truthful, prophetic and which possess a beauty that is as close to the divine as we can get here on earth. Yes, Tom, he is a man of gentle wisdom. Those words describe him perfectly.
- quinersdiner on July 13, 2015 at 2:13 pm
  
  Thanks so much. Just hearing from you makes me want to pick up one of his books. Thanks for writing.
calittox on July 13, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Reblogged this on CalittoX.
Tom Maly on July 13, 2015 at 4:09 pm

Cardinal Dolan at the Christ Our Life Conference in Des Moines last Fall; John Paul II revived the SOUL of the church – Benedict XVI the HEAD of the church and Francis is setting about to revive the HEART of the church. Powerful words powerfully delivered. All 3 are absolutely remarkable men.
- quinersdiner on July 13, 2015 at 4:16 pm
  
  Thanks for the reminder, Tom. Cardinal Dolan gave a powerful presentation.