To me, no JPII is a scary thought....

sweetchuck · #1 Apr 2, '05, 10:49 pm

I am not afraid for my life, but the future seems so less secure now. That fragile man, who could not even speak as of Wednesday, to me held together the moral fabric of our society. I fear the opportunist idealogues with their agendas who will undoubtedly come forth in the coming weeks to put extreme political pressure on the church to change positions that are inconvenient to them.

Now, I am young, only 25, and maybe I just don't understand. But, I grew up with only 1 grandfather, and today, as John Paul dies, I feel as if I have lost the other one. I never met the guy, but I love him like family, and I know that he loves me, too, even though he has never met me either.

To me, John Paul was like a strong and wise grandfather, and with him present, all is safe, and no harm will befall us. And now that he is dead, who is going to be strong and wise for us? Who will protect us?

**puzzleannie** · #2 Apr 2, '05, 10:55 pm

he told us not to be afraid, and so I am not afraid. The Holy Spirit will protect and guide the Church, even though it may not be apparent to us.

nike248 · #3 Apr 2, '05, 11:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by puzzleannie

he told us not to be afraid, and so I am not afraid. The Holy Spirit will protect and guide the Church, even though it may not be apparent to us.

That is so true. I bet even if it's the worst cardinal in the world, God will give him many graces to encourage a conversion and if he doesn't accept it, God will "put in" a new pope. Of course, by this I mean an early death.

springbreeze · #4 Apr 2, '05, 11:12 pm

Dear friend

We have nothing to worry about and no need to be afraid, God's Providence is such He will provide every age with the 'best' man for the job of Pope...always has happened and always will happen. Everything always goes the way it is meant to go, for a reason, there are no co-incidences and nothing happens for no reason...

Trust In God's Providence, for yourself, for the Church, for humanity and for the World...He does have a plan you know

Christ Jesus always said...'Be not afraid, it is I'...Our POpe has echoed His words...Be not afraid.

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

sweetchuck · #5 Apr 2, '05, 11:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by springbreeze

Dear friend

We have nothing to worry about and no need to be afraid, God's Providence is such He will provide every age with the 'best' man for the job of Pope...always has happened and always will happen. Everything always goes the way it is meant to go, for a reason, there are no co-incidences and nothing happens for no reason...

Trust In God's Providence, for yourself, for the Church, for humanity and for the World...He does have a plan you know

Christ Jesus always said...'Be not afraid, it is I'...Our POpe has echoed His words...Be not afraid.

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

thank you for your words, and God bless you too! I think I am just emotionally fried -- literally, fried -- after this week.

NightRider · #6 Apr 2, '05, 11:26 pm

Oh! I know what you mean, sweetchuck. I feel like I've lost my grandfather also. I've been weeping ever since Confession today, and when people have been speaking about him I've been simply speechless, which isn't like me at all, with the Irish gift of gab and much blarney! Even though he asked us to feel joyful for him, and I really do, I also feel so sad that he is gone. Lord help us. Karol Wojtyla was one of the most blessed men there has ever been.

sweetchuck · #7 Apr 2, '05, 11:31 pm

Amen to that. I believe in my heart that he is the perhaps the most influential Christian since the original apostles themselves. And I don't think I'm overestimating his contributions to our great church.

NightRider · #8 Apr 2, '05, 11:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetchuck

Amen to that. I believe in my heart that he is the perhaps the most influential Christian since the original apostles themselves. And I don't think I'm overestimating his contributions to our great church.

I don't think you're overestimating his contributions to our great Church either, friend! I think your estimations are quite accurate! He not only gave the Church so much, he gave the entire world so much. He showed so much compassion. He demonstrated Christ's total forgiveness to his would-be assassin. For me, he inspired me to get in the habit of weekly Confession--something that has completely and irrevocably turned my life completely around! I thank God for him!

Darrel · #9 Apr 2, '05, 11:42 pm

Everything will be fine ... God promised

.

-D

springbreeze · #10 Apr 2, '05, 11:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetchuck

Amen to that. I believe in my heart that he is the perhaps the most influential Christian since the original apostles themselves. And I don't think I'm overestimating his contributions to our great church.

Dear friend

You are not overestimating.

To me Pope John Paul II is Peter, no truer Peter has there been since Peter!

Pope John Paul II the Rock

God Bless you and much love and peace to you

Teresa

shannon e · #11 Apr 3, '05, 1:01 am

[hi Teresa--

I, too, am glad you're still on the forum

]

I can't say that I haven't felt scared; because I agree that we are in some dark times.

But I think of a paraphrased quote that may or may not

be Chesterton-- Bad times bring about good men

So I guess I'm a little nervous-- but I am looking forward to meeting our next Holy Father. And my heart can't help but go out to whoever has to follow JP the Great! And I just want to be as supportive and obedient as I can. (wow, now that's not something I say too often)

God Bless our beloved John Paul II!
God Bless our new Holy Father!
and God Bless our Church!

Sir Knight · #12 Apr 3, '05, 3:20 am

Recall these words: "Be not afraid ... (the words that JPII is most famous for and the final recorded words that he uttered just before slipping into final unconsciousness) ... I am happy, be it yourselves as well".

Repeat them, and take comfort in them: "Be not afraid; I am happy, be it yourselves as well."

Lilyofthevalley · #13 Apr 3, '05, 4:49 am

sweetchuck you hit hit the nail on the head. I am concerned that the next pope won't live up to be what JP2 was.

legeorge · #14 Apr 6, '05, 9:43 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetchuck

Amen to that. I believe in my heart that he is the perhaps the most influential Christian since the original apostles themselves. And I don't think I'm overestimating his contributions to our great church.

You are absolutely right! I can't imagine any of the apostles being a holier person that Pope John Paul II. I, also, was feeling quite fearful when I noticed all the signs and "coincidences" that have been occuring recently. But after Divine Mercy Sunday, I had a new perspective. This is such an exciting time! We are witnessing a spectacular moment in the history of the world. And if these signs are signals that "the end is near", just remember what that means! Jesus Coming Back! The old things will have passed away and Christ will make all things new! I feel so bolstered by the legacy that John Paul has left us. I feel strong and excited. For weeks I felt like I was walking in spiritual darkness. I was overwhelmed and sad. The death of our beloved Pope was like the straw that broke the camel's back. But then came Divine Mercy and I was energized and filled with thanksgiving! We, my friend are the JPII generation!!!! We are the ones he was counting on. Remember what he said at that world youth day? "Your Pope has faith in you!" He still does. And now he can be with us like never before. Don't forget to ask him to pray for you. Who knows, you may receive a miracle and help his canonization process!! Such exciting times we live in!

sweetchuck · #15 Apr 6, '05, 11:15 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by legeorge

You are absolutely right! I can't imagine any of the apostles being a holier person that Pope John Paul II. I, also, was feeling quite fearful when I noticed all the signs and "coincidences" that have been occuring recently. But after Divine Mercy Sunday, I had a new perspective. This is such an exciting time! We are witnessing a spectacular moment in the history of the world. And if these signs are signals that "the end is near", just remember what that means! Jesus Coming Back! The old things will have passed away and Christ will make all things new! I feel so bolstered by the legacy that John Paul has left us. I feel strong and excited. For weeks I felt like I was walking in spiritual darkness. I was overwhelmed and sad. The death of our beloved Pope was like the straw that broke the camel's back. But then came Divine Mercy and I was energized and filled with thanksgiving! We, my friend are the JPII generation!!!! We are the ones he was counting on. Remember what he said at that world youth day? "Your Pope has faith in you!" He still does. And now he can be with us like never before. Don't forget to ask him to pray for you. Who knows, you may receive a miracle and help his canonization process!! Such exciting times we live in!

I know what you mean. After Terri's death, it felt like the world was collapsing all around us. But I am a lot more reassured in the past few days. The sadness has been steadily moving toward excitement.

And though I see all these anti-clerical opportunists clutching their agendas and waving them flagrantly to attempt to change the church, I have faith that in the end, they'll hang their heads in defeat with the Holy Spirit in charge of the church.

And I hope I don't need any miracles any time soon, but if I do, I'll surely keep John Paul II in mind. God bless