Letters to My Congregation

Pope Francis

Each week (usually Wednesday afternoon), I send out a letter to the congregation at West Franklin. It’s a tiny way I hope to shepherd them during the week. Perhaps it might encourage, help, or challenge you as well.

West Franklin Family,

I have no desire to become a Roman Catholic. And, to be sure, there were things Pope Francis said and did that I obviously disagreed with.

However. . .

When I heard why he chose to lie in state in an un-elevated wooden casket for the days leading up to his funeral, my ears perked up. According to reports, Pope Francis didn’t want to be elevated because he wanted to be on the same level as all the people. He wanted to be as close to them as possible. According to one Catholic official, “Francis sought to ‘simplify and adapt’ the rituals, so that the papal funeral is ‘that of a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful person in this world.’” Another analyst said he did what he did because it is what he wanted for the church – “to be more simple, to be more in contact with reality, with the lives of people around.”

I absolutely love that. This is precisely the way anyone who walks with, and as found in, Christ becomes. Not separate from. Not domineering over. Not disconnected from reality. Not better than. Rather - with people. In the world. Simple. Eye level. Humble. Interested. Present.

What Pope Francis did regarding the details of his own funeral is a loud echo of our God who became human. What Francis did in ensuring his body was near and with the people is exactly why we celebrate Christmas each year. God with us.

The apostle Paul put it this way:

“Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). Paul’s point? To challenge us to “adopt the same attitude” as Jesus.

At least in his death, Pope Francis did.

Before you get in a wad, go back and read the first two sentences above after “West Franklin Family.” Totality of beliefs and actions of Francis aside, this posture is what happens to a genuine disciple of Jesus. One who is “in Christ” is one who becomes more like Him. This Christ is the One who humbled himself by becoming human and then choosing death on a cross. He is not One who is unable to understand us, but completely “gets” us because He was one of us. I can’t know what was in Pope Francis’ heart when he decided to be buried in a ground level wooden box. But I know that when one walks with Jesus, he or she moves toward people in love and hope and curiosity and interest and care.

Who is God putting in your life today, giving you an opportunity to echo the heart of His Son?

Because He Wants to Be With Us,

Pastor Matt

[Photo from Google Images, linked to here.]