Today is the feast day of one of our great modern saints, so great that many are already calling him Pope Saint John Paul II the Great! I was blessed to grow up with him in office, blessed to participate in two World Youth Day celebrations where he was present and presided at the closing Mass. One was in Denver, Colorado, the “Mile High City.” I was only 13 years old and probably shouldn’t have been allowed to go, but went with the youth group I belonged to. I remember the long, boiling hot hike out to the desert-like “park” where we made vigil overnight. But most of all, I remember our beloved former Holy Father’s firm invitation. I can hear his voice with his Polish accent as if it were yesterday. “Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid!!” 

The second time I saw him was in Toronto, Canada, where I acted as chaperone for a group of youth. I just happened to be coming back from the restroom when he passed by in his popemobile just a few yards away from me. By this time, he was notably older and more frail, but it was an equally incredible grace to be a part of the crowd shouting “John Paul II, we love you!” and hear him shout back, “John Paul II, he loves you!” His gentle smile and the sparkle in his eyes were palpable, even from a quarter mile away in the midst of the crowd. He had a special love for the youth and went out of his way to be with them. 

The fact that he traveled so much shows that he heeded our Lord’s command to “go out to all the world and preach the good news”. His actions imitated those of the first disciples, who traveled from country to country proclaiming our Lord and Savior to the nations. And his unwavering dedication to prayer, the sacraments and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament give us a great example to follow, especially during this time the Church has set aside for Eucharistic revival. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” Jesus comes to us in many ways: through the visits of Church leaders, a beloved family member or a close friend. He comes to us in the sacraments. He comes to us in prayer. It is our job to be vigilant, to be aware of His presence in our lives so that we can soak of as many graces as possible. And although we may not know when He is coming for us that last time, if we are vigilant and ready, He will take us to Himself for all eternity. What a beautiful thought!

Pope Saint John Paul II, thank you for your beautiful witness to us during your time on earth. Please continue to pray for us, the Church Militant, as we strive to love our Lord as we should. Intercede for us that we may “Be vigilant at all times and…have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.” (Alleluia verse)

Contact the Author

Daily Reading

 

Saint of the Day