To me, no JPII is a scary thought.... - Page 2

serendipity · #16 Apr 3, '05, 2:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetchuck

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.

I'm a little older than you, but in a similar position. I only knew one of my granparents, my maternal grandmother (who was first generation form Polish immigrants). My family moved around much when I grew up, and I don't have much that was consistent in my life. The Pope was one of the threads of consistency. I feel such an incredible void with his passing, though it wasn't unexpected.

legeorge · #17 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 · #18 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

Scullinius · #19 Apr 6, '05, 11:52 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetchuck

I am so happy for (soon to be St.) John Paul II (the Great). But I wonder, when will OUR exile end? Let it be soon!

Our exile will end soon enough, and if we are fortunate enough through our cooperation with God's grace to share eternal life with Him, then this life will seem like nothing more than a fleeting moment... which indeed is what it is. In the meantime, take heart, and prepare for the glorious life to come!

ncgolf · #20 Apr 6, '05, 12:07 pm

JP II left the faithful of our Church much stronger than when he entered. I love the fact that many quote his "Be not afraid". He taught us how not to be afraid for our beliefs and now we can all just go out and do it. JP II will be much more powerful in death than he was in life.

I have the feeling that this is not the end of something but the start of something even better in the Church.

swampfox · #21 Apr 6, '05, 12:17 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightRider

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.

I feel like I lost my grandfather, too.

Lovez4God · #22 Apr 6, '05, 12:20 pm

everything will be ok.

JKirkLVNV · #23 Apr 6, '05, 12:21 pm

I'm 43. I wasn't Catholic when Paul VI and John Paul I passed and our beloved John Paul II was elected. Watching all of that was what started me on the road to Rome. I can imagine in some small way how Catholics between 25-30, who've never known anyone else in the Chair of Peter, must be feeling. Jesus Christ, however, cannot fail in His Promises. The Holy Spirit will send us the leader He has for us, the leader He has always known would follow John Paul the Great. If anything, we should pray for this new pope. He stands in a huge shadow and it may be hard on him. It will take some getting used to, though, calling someone else the "Holy Father."