Cardinal Comastri: Pope St
John Paul II transformed his cross into love
 |
| Pope St John Paul II (Vatican Media) |
On the 15th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II’s death,
the Vicar General for Vatican City State, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, recalls his
legacy.
By Alessandro Gisotti
Pope St. John Paul II died 15 years ago, on 2 April 2005.
The Christian witness with which he bore his long illness inspired believers
and non-believers alike. His example, at this moment of global suffering caused
by the Covid-19 pandemic, is particularly poignant.
In this interview with Vatican Media, the Vicar General for
Vatican City State, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, recalls the words and witness of
Pope St. John Paul II.
What does the life and testimony of Pope St. John Paul II
communicate to us in the dramatic context of the Coronavirus pandemic?
The spread of the epidemic, the growing numbers of those who
are infected, and the daily death toll, has fallen on an unprepared society,
highlighting the spiritual emptiness of many people. Shortly before his death,
the Italian journalist, Indro Montanelli, expressed this lucid and honest
consideration: "If I were to close my eyes without knowing where I come
from, where I am going and what I have come to do on this earth, would it have
been worth it for me to open my eyes in the first place? Mine would be a
declaration of failure!". These words of Montanelli are a photograph
of the situation of a part of present-day society. This is one of the reasons
why the epidemic is so frightening: because, for so many people, faith has
died. John Paul II was a believer, a convinced believer, a coherent believer,
and faith illuminated the path of his life.
Despite his suffering and long illness, Pope St. John
Paul II always conveyed the feeling he was a peaceful man, filled with joy...
John Paul II knew that life is a race towards God’s Banquet:
the Feast of God’s embrace, His infinite glory and happiness. But we must
prepare ourselves for that encounter, we must purify ourselves in order to be
ready for it, we must cast off any reservations of pride and selfishness, so
that we can embrace Him who is Love without shadows. John Paul II lived his
suffering with this spirit: even in the hardest moments (like during the
assassination attempt when he was shot). He never lost his serenity. Why?
Because before him he always had the purpose of life. Today many people no
longer believe in that purpose. That’s why they live pain with despair: because
they can’t see beyond the pain.
In his suffering and pain, John Paul II always found a
dimension of hope, a special opportunity to encounter the Lord. We remember his
Apostolic Letter "Salvifici doloris"…
Pain undoubtedly frightens everyone. But when it is
enlightened by faith it becomes a way to cut back selfishness, banalities and
frivolities. What’s more, we Christians live pain in communion with the
Crucified Jesus: clinging to Him, we fill our pain with love and transform it
into a force that challenges and overcomes the selfishness that is still
present in the world. John Paul II was a true master of pain redeemed by love
and transformed into an antidote to selfishness: a redemption of human
selfishness. This is possible only by opening one's heart to Jesus: only with
Him can one understand and give value to pain.
Easter will be unprecedented this year because of the
Coronavirus pandemic, and in compliance with the directives to contain
infections. Many will remember how John Paul II’s last Easter was also marked
by illness and isolation. What can we learn from that last Easter of Pope John
Paul II, in terms of what is happening today?
We all remember John Paul II’s last “Good Friday”. The
image we saw on television is unforgettable: the Pope, who had lost all his
physical strength, holding the Crucifix in his hands, gazing at it with pure
love. One could sense he was saying: "Jesus, I too am on the Cross like
you. But together with you I await the Resurrection". The saints all lived
that way. I like to remember Benedetta Bianchi Porro, who became blind, deaf
and paralyzed because of a serious illness, and died peacefully on 24 January
1964. Shortly before dying, she found the strength to dictate a wonderful
letter to a disabled and desperate young man named Natalino. This is what
Benedetta wrote: "Dear Natalino, I am 26 years old like you. My bed has
become my home. For months I have also been blind, but I am not desperate,
because I know that, at the end of the path, Jesus is waiting for me. Dear
Natalino, life is a fast lane: let's not build our house on the fast lane,
let's cross it holding Jesus’ hand in order to reach our true home".
John Paul II was on this wavelength.
Every day, during this Covid-19 pandemic, many people
join in praying the Angelus and the Rosary in live streaming on Vatican News,
and through other media. We are reminded of John Paul II’s devotion to Mary, as
highlighted in his coat of arms...
Yes, John Paul II chose as a motto on his coat of arms, the
words: Totus Tuus Maria (“Mary, I am all yours”). Why? Because
Our Lady was close to Jesus at the moment of the Crucifixion and she believed
this was the moment of God's victory over human wickedness. How? Through love,
which is the almighty strength of God. Shortly before Jesus fulfilled His
sacrifice of Love on the Cross, Mary listened to the words Jesus addressed to
her: "Woman, behold your son!”. That is: "Don't think of me, but
think of others, help them to transform pain into love, help them to believe
that goodness is the strength that overcomes evil". From that moment on,
Mary took concern for us upon herself, and when we let ourselves be guided by
her, we are in safe hands. John Paul II believed this, he trusted Mary, and
with Mary he transformed pain into love.
Lastly, is there is an anecdote, something John Paul II
said to you, that you might want to share with us as a sign of hope for the
many people in the world who are suffering, and for those who have loved, and
continue to love, Pope St. John Paul II?
In March 2003, John Paul II invited me to preach the
Spiritual Exercises for the Roman Curia. He also participated in those
Spiritual Exercises. Afterwards, he received me with great kindness and said:
"I thought of giving you a cross like mine”. I reflected on the double
meaning of the word, and replied: "Holy Father, it would be difficult for
you to give me a cross like yours...". John Paul II smiled and said:
"No... this cross", and he pointed to a pectoral cross he wanted to
give me. Then he added: "You too will have your cross: transform it into
love. This is the wisdom that illuminates life". I have never forgotten
this wonderful advice given to me by a saint.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét