Who God Is

Weeks before Pope Francis visited my hometown of Philadelphia, I attended a university lecture about the then still relatively new pontiff and his leadership style. The lecture wasn’t nearly as interesting as the questions and answers. I will never forget one professor’s question inquiring if the pope’s popularity was because of “his personality or his politics.” The professor continued his question, “is it because he’s emphasizing other teachings?”

The lecturer’s response stuck with me to this day and comes to mind in particular on this day of his death. He said: “The Holy Father, Pope Francis, fundamentally believes that many have forgotten or have never known who God is, and this is what - or rather, Who - he emphasizes. God is Love. God is Mercy. God is Truth.” The lecturer continued: “The Pope knows that none of the teachings make sense if we don’t begin with, and know who, God is.”

In my life, leadership, and discipleship, how do I keep this foundational relationship at the forefront of my heart and mind? Do I remember who God is as I try to live by what God wants? In my invitation to others to deepen their faith, is that invitation to a relationship or a concept?

I began writing these reflections toward the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate, quoting him almost every week for a decade. He never left me looking for words to reflect on, particularly who God is, what He wants, and how much He loves us. As we pray for Pope Francis’ return to his Father in Heaven, let us pray for the repose of his soul and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to continue to be poured out upon the Church as we await his successor.

+Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen+