Pictured above is an Easter card I received from Pope Francis (R.I.P.) in 2013, the first Easter of his lengthy pontificate and now a chapter of history. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ triumphant over suffering and death is, in the words of St. Paul, “of first importance” (1 Cor 15:4) in our life of faith. I particularly like the card’s angel quote from Saint Luke’s gospel: “Why do you look among the dead for him who lives? He is not here; He is Risen.” As the Western Hemisphere rose from sleep Easter Monday morning, and we heard the news that Pope Francis had died, these gospel words soon came into my mind. It seems to me that God, in His Providence, allowed Pope Francis a special share in the Easter Mystery by refocusing the very end of his pontificate on the Lord’s Resurrection. The Pope’s death occurred within the Easter Octave (eight days of celebration) when no Masses other than Easter Masses, can be celebrated (the only exception being a funeral Mass, which for Pope Francis, takes place Easter Saturday). So, while we mourn the loss of the Holy Father (and will continue to do so for nine days after his funeral, leading to the election of Pope number 267) the joy of the Easter Season mystically triumphs over grief.
The Pope’s death at this time also sends a signal to the Cardinal electors for the next Bishop of Rome: namely, that we work only in the service and schedule of the Living and True God. I am confident that a great choice for the next Vicar of Christ will be made to guide the Church and inspire world. My personal preference will be for any Pope that tirelessly preaches and teaches that Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life, and that a more practical, common-sense approach to the Sacraments will be instituted to give clearer access to Him. If the new Holy Father were to ask me for advice (ha!) I’ll say: “Holy Father, your first official Bull should affirm the necessity of the Sacrament of Confession, and require all capable good-standing bishops and priests to hear at least ten hours of Confessions every week (say, one hour every weekday; four hours every Saturday, and one hour on Sunday, like a half-hour before each Mass).” I think such a plan would facilitate knowing and loving Jesus, because there will be many more people living his life of grace. Of course, there will be extra efforts to continue reaching out to the spiritual peripheries. Although our head physician of this “field hospital” has died in action and left us, the King lives forever!
Let's Repent! 