(CNN) – Pope Francis marked his 77th birthday on Tuesday by welcoming three homeless men to a Mass and a meal at the Vatican, according to Catholic officials.
The Pope wanted a "family" environment, with just a few top aides, the staff of Casa Santa Marta – the Vatican guesthouse – and the homeless men, one of whom brought his dog, the Vatican said.The worldwide reaction to this man over the past nine months should be eye-opening for all of us who follow Christ. The most effective evangelism is loving others, especially those society has neglected, abused, or forgotten. That is the example set by Jesus as he walked Judea countryside and the back alleys of the larger towns. And if we all followed that example, the world would be a better place.
Instead we get caught up in the trappings of this world, lusting for power, money, and things. Success is defined by what we have rather than what we give of ourselves. We work hard to exclude others. We turn our heads from the injustices that befall others and rationalize how they "deserve" to suffer. And all of it runs counters to the teachings of Christ.
Today I will give thanks for a man whose most remarkable acts have been to reach out to people with compassion. He has spoken out against the economic injustices that left too many without opportunities and hope while more and more of the wealth of God's creation is concentrated in the hands of the privileged few. I am hearted by the response of many whose profess to dislike religion but are moved by the words and deeds of this man.
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