Thursday of Fourth Week of Lent

The church around the globe brims with exaltation at the announcement of our new Holy Father here on Earth, Pope Francis I. He is, of course, the first Jesuit (whoot!) pope, the first Pope from the Americas, and the first to take the name “Francis”, but, to me, his most fascinating quality is his humility. He certainly sees his position as one of service rather than power, as evidenced by his choice to take the bus, cook his own meals, and, most recently, pick up his own bags at his hotel. He has dedicated his life to serving and working among the impoverished, and truly embodies the Jesuit value of living “for and with others”. 

                In a society which seems to become increasingly occupied with the pursuit of wealth and power, the election of a pope dedicated to poverty and humbleness should act as a call to action, as loud and clear as the joyous cries which erupted at his unveiling. Most students view college as a step to attaining a “successful” life, a reasonable goal in its own right. However, we could benefit from a reevaluation of the meaning of “success”.  I think, on some level, we all know that objects and money do not denote success, yet we still give them priority. Additionally, status does not lead to happiness, but we still work to be the very best in others’ eyes, often by having the most. We do find happiness in this endeavor—to deny that would obviously be a lie. However, that temporary happiness is like a firework; it is blinding in its intensity and beauty, but vanishes with haste, leaving only smoke and ash. The joy that comes from living for others acts more like the summer sun; it constantly glows with a warmth that we feel, fostering life.

 As our new Pope’s namesake says, "Poverty is the way to salvation, the nurse of humility, and the root of perfection. Its fruits are hidden, but they multiply themselves infinite ways."  Of course, this does not necessarily mean that the only way to Christ is through sacrificing all possessions and worldly desires, but rather reexamining our priorities. This Lent, may we answer God’s call to work towards a joy that comes only from serving His people.

-Cailin, '16