"He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: 'Follow me.' This following meant imitating the pattern of his life -- not just walking after him. St. John tells us: 'Whoever says he abides in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.'"CNS noted that Pope Francis may change, alter or keep this motto, "but the choice he made as a bishop still sheds some light on the person and ministry of the man who became pope March 13." Everything we are hearing about our Holy father indicates that he has indeed been "imitating the pattern" of Christ's life, walking "in the same way in which he walked." It appears that he has done and is doing precisely what St. Paul instructs us to do:
"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience..." (Colossians: 3:12)This is the way of Our Lord. It is also the way of Our Lady, who joyfully magnified the Lord with her entire being because "He has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid" (Luke 1:48). In his first public words, Pope Francis called upon "the Madonna" from the balcony of St. Peter's. In his first public venture, the next morning he went to St. Mary Major Basilica where he prayed to Our Lady for 30 minutes and honored her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. "Lowly but chosen." Going to Jesus through Mary. And rejoicing in God our Savior who has done such great things for us!
Thank you, dear Lord, for Pope Francis!
My soul, give praise to the Lord;
I will praise the Lord all my life,
sing praise to my God while I live.
~Psalm 146:1-2
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