Papal posture

I was recently privileged to be at a papal event, and to see Pope Benedict XVI from not too far a distance. One thing I noticed about the pontiff, is that he is a simple, humble man. Although there were great crowds gathered to greet him, he did not exhibit the persona of a rock star, and always made sure his comportment was pointing to Christ. I had the impression that here was a man who walked with God, not by some superhuman ability, but by a practice that is open to all of us: prayer. Deep prayer which unites one with God. And he called us all to prayer: silent prayer, personal prayer, liturgical prayer. For, he said, it is through prayer that we hear the Spirit leading us, that we receive direction and the courage to follow that direction, that a fresh wind fills us. So that then we can walk in the Spirit, with the Spirit, and be a light to the world.

"Take me for your model, as I take Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (TJB)