A Prophet in our midst

His Holiness Pope Francis

A man of his word

Yesterday, on the recommendation of several parishioners, I took advantage of seeing the new film: "Pope Francis: A man of his word."  (trailer above).  We are fortunate to have it showing in a local theater and I HIGHLY recommend that you see it as well if at all possible.  It is prophetic, beautiful, deeply personal, inspiring, compassionate and energizing.

As I watched the film, I kept saying to myself:  "God has sent us a prophet and we had better listen!" Likewise, as he and the narrator reflect on the central call to reach out to the margins and in particular, in the reforming spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, to embrace a life of simplicity rather than abundance, I could only say, "this is the most powerful man in the world."  No other world leader has the moral force than the Pope and in our day, this man in particular who indeed is a man not just of words but of action. Love will win in the end and that is a power no money or earthly force can buy.

But, as anything, who is listening?  In candid answers to obvious questions offered to him, the Pope early in the film begins by saying:  "The world is deaf."  He goes on to explain what he means by that of course and throughout the film we see a wake up call for all of us.  The film spends a good time on Pope Francis and the good of the earth itself.  How we must care for Mother Earth and how we have exploited it.

I began to think, is this all they're going to present, the Pope of climate change?  While some time is spent there, it moves on to many other important issues including that of the Churches response to present day sin of clerical abuse of minors.  More about wealth and poverty and injustice in the world.

Sounds heavy initially but there is certainly a balance with gratitude, hope, joy, and love. The film shows an interesting gathering when he was Bishop in Argentina before his election as Pope but then spends the remainder on the impact of his Papacy. 

I was moved and grateful and once the film ended on a positive note (no spoiler here) like others in the theater, once the credits began we all just sat, listened to the closing beautiful music and reflected.  No one rushed out as you usually see. The credits were just names, no bloopers, but you needed to just sit and think about what you saw and heard.

So, I write this by personal recommendation and urging my readers if you can, do run to see this film.

It begins and ends in the beautiful city of St. Francis: Assisi, Italy.  If you've ever had the fortune to visit there, you will once again feel the spirit of this holy city on the hill.  As St. Francis was called by God to "rebuild" the Church, so the film makes the comparison that in our own day Pope Francis is doing the same.

Take some time, then, if you can to see this beautiful and thoughtful film.

Peace