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Propeller
November 05, 2009
Pope John Paul II was on all counts a great man. It would make volumes to describe his multi-faceted personality. He was endowed with many qualities of heart and mind, a charming and loving person, one who reached out to millions. He traveled to 129 countries of the world; a distance covered would be three times to the moon and back. It is said that he was a person most seen in history. It is not simply a question of figures and mileage. By this magnetism John Paul II was able to attract and touch the lives of thousands of people.
Man of God
Before everything else, Pope John Paul II was a Man of God, a person of deep Faith in his Creator. His intense prayer life, deep spirituality and unshakeable orthodoxy were the source and strength of all his undertakings. His life was characterized by utter faithfulness to the Gospel and the Living Tradition of the life, whose Lord and Master is God alone. He preached respect for life from conception to death.
Man of the Church
Pope John Paul II was at all time conscious of the Sacred Office he hold in the Church and his heavy responsibilities to build and strengthen the life of the Christian Community (Luke 22:32). He was a man sent by God for these confusing and challenging times for the Church and the world. He was a person shaped by the Gospel and his loyalty to Jesus. He was trained in the age-old Wisdom of the Church. In his position as Universal Shepherded in the Flock and Servant of the Church, he make his unique contribution to the life of the Church. With his profound Faith in God and a sense of dedication to the Mission of the Apostles, he served the Faithful who looked up to him for guidance and support.
John Paul II could relate to all sorts of people, poor and rich alike, young and old, simple and intellectual, children and adults, the weak and strong. His great appeal to the Youth throughout his life, even in death, was evident everywhere. No wonder, people of all ages and wails of life flocked to him whether in Rome or in the Countries that he visited. His last illness and patient endurance up to death drew throngs of people. Throughout his life he went out to meet them, now they came to be with him. More than 3,000,000 people took part in his last rites and funeral, while millions others followed these with anguish and prayer through the MediaMan of Dialogue
From the earliest day he came into contact with people of other faiths. In particular the Jews in his native Poland, a relationship that was cherished mutually throughout his long life. He met with Christians from different churches and ecclesial communions with respect and affection. His meeting with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and other people are part of history. His encounters with the religious leaders, brothers roger of Taize, the Dalai Lama, the Ulema, and so many others are milestone in our common journey. Notable among many significant events are his visit, first ever by a pope, to the synagogue in Rome, the mosque in Damascus, again a first, his address to the youth of morocco, and his calling together the religious leaders to Assisi in 1982 for a day of prayer for peace.
Man of Our Times
His many qualities of intellect and soul equipped John Paul II to be a spokesman of our times. His sound philosophical training and his intellectual grasp of the reality singled him out as one of the most brilliant minds of our times. He understood well the complexity of our modern world. With his profound thought and command of so many languages he could speak with sure conviction and compelling power. The writings he has left behind will entail long study and reflection for many years to come. John Paul II was not only a man of books. Like Saul, with his tall and athletic physique he stood head and shoulders over other man. With his human experience of work, bereavement, drama, poetry, he could relate and empathies with people from all walk of life.
From early days John Paul II knew the hardship of human life. His life under the Nazi occupation and later communist rule did not break his strong and indomitable spirit. At the same time, he was aware of the danger of capitalism and he challenges of western secularized society. At all levels he raised his voice with courage to denounce the evil of our times. With his deep philosophical insight and a sharp mind he could warn the people of the world of any system that could undermine the dignity of the human person. For John Paul II the human person was of supreme worth. He was clear in his annunciation of all that was good and unhesitant in the denunciation of whatever posed a peril to the sacredness of life. During his visit to Brazil the people called him "our king". He was the voice of the voiceless.
Man of Suffering
Pope John Paul II was familiar with human suffering for his early years. The loss of his parents and the untimely death of his surviving brother deprived him of human comfort and solace that is so characteristics of a polish family. His life often in danger and there had been several attacks on his life was spared through the intersection of our lady for a special purpose. In later years he was afflicted with number of disease and physical weakness. He went through it all through calm resignation and deep faith in the lord and his Mother. He labored till the end refusing to give up, his eyes fixed on Christ on the cross.
Man of True Greatness
Pope John Paul II has left his imprint on human history, as few people have been able to do. As a great man, he went out to forgive and consol his would-be assassin. He offered reconciliation and peace to all even those who assailed him. He was truly great in his life. He was great in his suffering and death. The millions of people attending his funeral and the glowing tribute paid to him during his life and after death are a living testimony to the greatness and stature of the man. His will be indeed men and women of goodwill everywhere for a long time to come.
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