Sunday, May 4, 2025 – Third Sunday of Easter
At the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, tributes and praises for his papal leadership and witness poured forth from all over the world. The vast majority and Catholics and non-Catholics alike were saddened by the loss of this leader of the Roman Catholic Church. One statement I heard and stuck out was, and this is a paraphrase, “In a time when the world is in chaos and confusion, he [Francis] was a constant of love and peace.” That statement is a profound complement describing his life and ministry.
This commentary regarding Francis being a “constant” can be a real takeaway for us to strive for as we go forward. As we live in a world of questioning and mystery, how can we proceed with so many ideas and events that can prompt us to go back-and-forth, just “blowing in the wind?” Can we become that “constant?” Can we be that constant proclaiming Gospel values? Can we be the constant for peace? Can we be that constant of forgiveness? Can we be that constant to build-up rather than tearing down. Consider your own constants you can strive for in a world that is often wavering.
We read in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus saying “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built this house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.” (7:24-25) What is our “rock,” our “constant” which is solid and immovable which stills us from the blowing fads and elements of society and culture?
Now, as time passes, utilizing wisdom and discernment, we need to be flexible to the signs of the times. Some ideas need to be living and breathing. But with that said, what are the core principles which cannot change?
People who embrace firm values and principles are individuals of true character. They are attractive and others can gravitate to them. We, who can proclaim the Good News and Gospel values, can be those foundations and offer real hope to our world with a solid countercultural witness—in much the same manner as our late Pope Francis. Let us today and always aspire to be that rock and constant in our ever-changing world.