Through an ancient Scripture, John Paul II speaks to us
In finding an appropriate Scripture that reflects on the death of the Holy Father, I actually found that John Paul II may be speaking to us from beyond the grave in the words of Joshua. Joshua's statement can be said to apply also to the late Pope, and the Sacred College of Cardinals would do well to remind themselves of this Scripture. Joshua 23:14-16:Behold this day I am going the way of all the earth, and you shall know with all your mind that of all the words which the Lord promised to perform for you, not one hath failed. Therefore as he hath fulfilled in deed, what he promised, and all things prosperous have come: so will he bring upon you all the evils he hath threatened, till he take you away and destroy you from off this excellent land, which he hath given you. When you shall have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he hath made with you, and shall have served strange gods, and adored them: then shall the indignation of the Lord rise up quickly and speedily against you, and you shall be taken away from this excellent land, which he hath delivered to you.
This passage of Scripture is widely seen as the beginning of Joshua's farewell address to the Children of Israel. He begins the speech by telling the people that he is "going the way of all the earth." Joshua knows that his time in the world is nearing an end, and as all things in the world, his physical body will come to an end. He continues with the warning that if the Children of Israel do not follow the ways of the Lord, the Lord will cease to favor them. In the following chapter (24), Joshua recounts to the Israelites their entire history, from the time of Abraham to that present point, reminding them that the Lord has continually delivered them out of the hands of the heathens.
After this lengthy address, the Scriptures record in Joshua 24:23-24:
Now therefore, said he, put away strange gods from among you, and incline your hearts to the Lord the God of Israel. And the people said to Joshua: We will serve the Lord our God, and we will be obedient to his commandments.
Like Joshua, John Paul II calls on us to "incline our hearts" to the Lord. I believe the Sacred College of Cardinals should choose a man who is inclined to faithfully preserve the Tradition of the Apostles handed on to him. As Joshua reminded the Children of Israel of the heritage handed on to them, so John Paul reminds the Cardinals and the whole Church of the heritage he so faithfully preserved and now hands on to his Successor. Let us all be inclined together to be true to the Faith, and let us see that it lives on.
Pray for the College of Cardinals.
posted by Deacon David Oatney @ 11:33 AM
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