2013-04-07        John W          John W's previous articles

Picking up rubbish for Pope Francis

Tom Pavey died in Brisbane, Australia, on July 31, 1997.
At his funeral the priest spoke about how Tom used to help at the church
and visit an old peoples' home.
The priest also said how Tom would pick up rubbish as he walked along the street.
As he put the rubbish in a bin, he would pray prayers like
- Dear Jesus, please bless our country
- Dear Jesus, please heal the sick
- Dear Jesus, please give peace to the world

Tom's act of humility in picking up rubbish was a prayer for others

For the past few years I've been trying to imitate Tom.
Each morning as I've gone for my morning walk,
I've picked up a few bits of rubbish and put them in a bin

For the past few years as I made my deposit I prayed just one prayer,
a prayer often prayed by millions of other Catholics:
Dear Jesus, please let the next pope be a Vatican II pope

By that I meant a shepherd with a great love for the poor
and a great desire for a loving encounter with our troubled world.
Someone who would stop the present trend of "winding back the clock" and "circling the wagons". A "Joshua"pope  (as in the books by Joseph Girzone)

Well, our prayers have been answered - DG!

But I'm going to keep on picking up rubbish.
Asking good health, wisdom and courage for Pope Francis as he tries to reform and renew the Church.
Asking protection for him from physical harm (c.f. the attempt on John Paul II's life) and from "political" harm - individuals/groups in the Church who are not happy with Francis' election and will be trying to obstruct him at every turn .....and who will be hoping that his papacy is a short one.
Not to mention the issue that the vast majority of  priests and bishops are not exactly on fire with love for the poor and the idea of a simple life style

In other words, game not over, game just starting.
So let's keep praying
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Interesting survey:  
Did your local bishop mention Francis in his Easter message?

c.f. Cardinal George Pell's Easter message  

c.f. Cardinal John Tong's Easter message  

c.f. Archbishop Vincent Nichols' Easter message  

c.f. Archbishop Denis Hart's Easter message  

What about your local bishop? Any mention? Please use comment box below

Original article of which this article is an update:  
The next pope - a load of rubbish