Peace on earth

I sometimes surprise myself.  This morning I found myself watching the Pope saying Mass -- in Spanish!  At least I assume it was Spanish, but I don't really know.  I do know that I was mesmerized.

Partly because I recognized the Mass. Even though it was in Spanish and I was Episcopalian, somehow,  I heard it in my head and in my heart.

Partly because Pope Francis seems to understand more about this world and the real issues surrounding it than any other religious leader I have heard in a very long time.

I am not a church goer.  For many reasons, the first being I used to be one.  But today I heard the Mass and I was moved. 

The words were not in English.  The music was not at all familiar, but that added to the experience for me.  I was not wallowing in nostalgia, or evangelism. 

It was purer for me. 

I felt a kinship to mankind and this old man who seems to be trying less to control people than to bring peace to earth.

Pope, Latin for papa: being a good father is so much more than laying down laws.  It is putting the good of the children at the top of the list.