A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

Italian government officials have indicated that the throngs assembling in Rome to view the remains of Pope John Paul II are so massive that they have virtually brought the "eternal" city to a standstill. the enormity of the crowds compels one to posit the question why.

Surveys indicate that a majority of those making the treck to Rome are, at best, marginal Catholics. Most don't adhere to the doctrinal teachings articulated by Pope John Paul or his predisessors. So why are they there?

Yes, Pope John Paul was a great and spirit-filled man. He possessed a charisma and a deep passion for faith and people. He was prolific and intellecutally gifted but, do these qualities and attributes alone explain the unprecedented outpouring of love and public expressions of sympathy and loss? In a word, no.

Its my opinion that this unique exhibition of exultation for this man is mainly due to the fact that throughout the duration of his prontificate, John Paul II made it his priority to be physically present to the people entrusted to his pastoral care. This Pope practiced the ministry of presence.

Whether it was in the United States, Japan, South Africa, Or Brazil the Holy Father recognized the glory of God's revelation in the people he touched and in the people that touched him. Hewas willing to go the distance to expose the majesty of God in all those he encountered. You did not have to be a Roman Catholic for him to recognize and call forth the gift of the Spirit in you. His willingness and courage to apolgize for past Catholic sins is inpart evidence an openess to ecumenical and interfaith dialouge. He was able to think (in some respects) outside of the Catholic box and reveal the goodness of humanity to the world.

His special ministry of Presence , through his many travels, touched the hearts of untold millions. As a final gesture of love and gratitude, some of the people whom he visited are now gorging the Basilica of St. Peter's just to have a brief last gimpse of this extraordinary person. He was present to them and they are (by the millions) seeking to be Present to him!