Pope Resigning

Pope Benedict XVI announced this morning that he is resigning from the Chair of Saint Peter effective February 28th, 2013.  This announcement came as a surprise to most of the world, and a shock to many of us.  However, he had announced earlier in his papacy that he would consider resignation if he felt his age or health was not permitting his to fulfill his responsibilities.  He was 78 when he became Pope and he has served for 7 or 8 years.

Thank You Lord, for Popes who lead Your Church faithfully in accordance w/ Your Will.  Please guide Your Church in the election of our next Pope, that we may be a faithful witness to You and a Light to the world.

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning
is now
and ever shall be
world w/out end.
Amen!

Twelve Royal Teams

Who have helped "plow the furrow" of my life (to use Silf's metaphor taken from I Kings 19:19)?

My parents
Close friends
Teachers
Pastors
Authors
Key events
The Church
Christ in the Eucharist! :)

How have they been instruments of God?

Mostly through the good example of their lives, and their generous ways of nurturing my spirit through specific growth-producing challenges to specific aspects of myself in need of development.

I am mostly motivated by love: life-giving challenges and mercy, and when I am led, it is because I am willing to follow good example.

No wonder I'm a teacher.

How can I use this perception to help me love others better?

Reference: Silf, Inner Compass, Chapter 3 "Finding Our Past in God"