Don't believe everything you read. Even in the local newspaper of record. Like this fine article that says I only have three children, and that I teach religious education. Well, I DO have three children, plus four. And I DO teach religious ed... but I prefer the term "faith formation," which seems a bit fuller, even if I am still referred to as the "DRE" rather than the "DFF." Not that it matters.
Don't even get me started about the missquotes ;-)
But look how silly we look!
Well, today's the big day, and we are planning to be sitting in front of the television for our Religion/Current Events lesson at 10:00 am EDT. We could DVR the Holy Father's arrival at Andrews Air Force Base and his welcome from President and Mrs. Bush, but there is something about watching the event "live" that allows you to feel that you are a part of it. And we are. We are welcoming him onto our own continent.
I confess I am a bit envious of those on the east coast who can feel even closer. I remember staying in Alexandria once and thinking how much closer the news from Capitol Hill felt. It's right over there. Anyway, we are as close as we're going to get this week, and to feel close we are watching as much of the Pope's visit live as we can. Praise God for EWTN.
We will be learning about this extraordinary soul, how God provides the Church with the right shepherd at the right time, how we must listen and learn when he speaks. And this week, he is speaking to us in a particular way. He is speaking to America.
We will be learning about the structure of the Church as well. The Holy Father is the bishop of Rome (though his vicar general helps with the pastoral needs of that city) and also the head of the whole Church, in union with the bishops. The pope is not a perfect person, but he has been given the gift of "the sure charism of truth" so that, in virtue of his office, he is infallible concerning doctrines on faith and morals.
Why is this so? Because God loves us so much, He doesn't want us to wonder. He wants us to be sure about the important things. Because Jesus loves us so much, He didn't leave this world without arranging for His flock to be shepherded all the way to the end of time. We know that where the Pope is, the Church is. If we listen to the Pope, to the Magisterium of the Church, we can be sure that we will not be lead astray. Simple obedience will get us to the goal; we don't have to understand all the details.
So, we are praying for the Pope with great enthusiasm this week. We are praying for all those who listen to him, so that they will listen with open hearts. And we are praying for our country; may B16's presence here stir into flame the sparks of heroic witness that seem to be buried under ash. May our country resolve anew to witness to the truth and love of Christ in the world.
That's our Religion focus for this week. I think Papa Benedetto's visit is a good reason to ditch the rest of the books for a few days.
