Forgiveness Part Three- Pope John Paul II a reflection of Christ

I once heard this really great analogy that Jesus Christ is like the sun and the Saints of our Church are like the moon. For the moon is not the original source of light but it reflects the light of the sun in such a beautiful way. Pope John Paul II who will beatified today truly did reflect the light of Christ for all the world to see.

On May 13th, 1981, a man named Memhet Ali Ağca shot Pope John Paul II four times as the Pope walked across St. Peter's Square at Vatican City. The Pope lost three-quarters of his blood and underwent five hours of surgery to save his life.

Most people probably lack that grace required to forgive anyone who has tried to kill them. Not so for Pope John Paul II. Shortly after the shooting, the Pope said, "pray for my brother whom I have sincerely forgiven." Two years later in 1983, Pope John Paul II visited his attempted killer in prison and the two formed a relationship.

With Good Friday recent in our memories, we recall that while Jesus was dying on the cross, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). Pope John Paul II was embodying the Spirit of Jesus in forgiving this man who tried to kill him. The Pope was following Christ's teachings to "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44).

So today, on Divine Mercy Sunday, the man who many call "The Mercy Pope" will become Blessed Pope John Paul II. This great Vicar of Christ will be one step closer to officially being a Saint but I think we can all agree that this holy man of God reflected the light of Christ in many ways... especially in his desire and commitment to forgive.

Pope John Paul II... pray for us!