In every religion you will find some priest, prophet, pastor, etc. who embodies all that is good in mankind, or so you might think. For example, Baptist parishioners admire T.D. Jakes and Joel Osteen, while Buddhists have the Dali Lama, and Catholics, of course, revere the Pope.

As a Baptist congregant, I have listened to many pastors spew a bunch of bible verses and hallelujah’s, but it is all discounted once the offering plate is passed around more than once in a church service! I’m often left feeling that I just paid money to hear the word, and I have received nothing in return. To deal with my ambivalent feelings towards the church, I began to visit other religions to see if I could find a more suitable spiritual path. I have visited Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic and even a Protestant church! I have also visited a Muslim mosque at the behest of a friend, but I didn’t feel a connection. I have determined that I need to be a Baptist Christian just like my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother before me. Until…..Pope Francis!

Although I have remained in the faith, I am still open to hearing the word from other avenues, as long as, it is God/Christ/Holy Spirit centered. So when the World Meeting of Families was announced, I became interested in fellowshipping with believers of other faiths. After doing some research on this event, I wanted to hear a Pope Francis sermon in person. I needed to see the man who so many Catholics have called a game changer, a caring soul. However due to the logistical issues in and around my area, I decided to stay home and watch this gentle soul touch the world through a television set.

Pope Francis seems to genuinely care about his fellow-man. He appeals to the masses because, of his humility and compassion. These qualities make him relevant and “in-tune” to the sufferings of many. I can’t stop thinking about how he goes out of his way to make the least of us feel so important. I feel that he is truly touched by God! I literally was glued to my television all weekend long!!!

Pope Francis, I salute you. I salute your dedication and your kindness! At eighty years old, you have shown true stamina! How on earth did you accomplish so much in a five-day span? You make me want to do more for my fellow-man, woman and child. I pray that I will one day accept the calling on my life and become as selfless as you.

Confessions:

I am selfish at times and ignore calls for me to volunteer not only in my community, but also in the world at large.

Affirmations:

I am giving, kind and selfless. I go out of my way to make the world a better place.

Prayers:

Dear God, I know that I am no Pope Francis, but I pray that you will give me the humility, courage and strength to step out of my comfort zone and become faithful in the ministry that you have given me. I ask that you continue to lead and guide me along the way. I especially ask for help in dealing with people, who don’t possess the same beliefs as I do. I don’t ever want to come across as judgmental; I want to help lead them to you and not away from you. In Jesus’ Name…Amen