Come As You Are

Yesterday we celebrated a profound milestone: the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’. When the late Pope Francis released this prophetic encyclical in 2015, he invited the entire world to hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor—and to respond with courage, care, and community. Today, that response is alive in each of us. Across the globe, participants of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform have taken bold, creative steps to live out the Laudato Si’ Goals. We need to continue the response each day.

Today we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The time since Easter Sunday has simply flown by and tomorrow, we commemorate Memorial Day. The readings we have listened to during these days have had a common theme, Jesus offers his disciples peace and tells them, “Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.” As I prayed with this Gospel the song Come As You Are came to mind. It is a simple melody with a most profound message.

Come as you are, that’s how I want you
Come as you are, feel quite at home
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven
Come as you are, why stand alone?

No need to fear, love sets no limits
No need to fear, love never ends
Don’t run away, shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me again

I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous
I came to bring peace, not to condemn
Each time you fail, to live by my promise
Why do you think, I’d love you the less?

Come as you are, that’s how I love you
Come as you are, trust me again
Nothing can change, the love that I bear you
All will be well, just come as you are.

© Deidre Browne

Our loving God invites us to trust and have hope. We need to remember that our God is always with us. When we are fearful that is an opportunity for our God to draw near to us and give us God’s love and peace. We are never alone; God invites us to always come as we are and to remember that we are loved.  

Habemus Papam

On Wednesday, May 7th the Conclave to elect the 267th successor of Peter began. With the sealing of the Sistine Chapel door the work of the Cardinals began and the world waited in hope. At the end of the first day black smoke appeared signaling that there was no Pope elected. On Thursday, May 8th the white smoke appeared and the world waited for the announcement of the new Pope. The word came a little more than an hour after the smoke. I ran for the nearest television at work where I could watch it in real time. As I waited I experienced a number of emotions - hope, wonder, awe and excitement. When the announcement "Habemus Papam," my heart lept when I heard it was an American. I never expected an American to be named as the Pope.

When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emerged I was struck by the sense of warmth and humility on his face. It appeared more than once he was overcome by emotion. It was nice to hear his brothers speak of their relationship with him. When his brother was asked if he was going to call his brother "Pope" he simply replied that he never called him "Father" as a priest and was not planning on changing that. You could hear the pride in his brothers and those who know him well.

As he begins his pontificate let us pray for him that he will remain true to his quest for justice and peace in our world. May he take the lead of his predecessor Francis and serve with a caring heart. May God bless Pope Leo XIV.

Kindness & Compassion

Last evening I attended a Town Hall Meeting at the First Baptist Church in Bronxville. It was an interesting experience as I went not knowing what to expect. There were many elected officials and participants from all age groups. As the meeting began the moderator mentioned the guidelines for the time. He stated that the premise of the meeting would be “kindness.” I immediately thought what a wonderful way to begin. How important at this time in our country’s history that we practice kindness. We all need to practice this. The Town Hall Meeting was most informative, and I am grateful to those elected officials who are working so hard for the interest of their constituents. May we all participate and respond with kindness.

A friend shared the quote below from Thich Nhat Hanh with me and as I read it the words echoed for me the meaning of today’s Gospel. Jesus spoke to Peter with compassion. The disciples were called to follow Jesus and be leaders, we are called to do the same. We are called to be disciples of Jesus and whatever we do in life we never stop being a disciple. Being a disciple is a lifelong commitment. We are continuously transformed into the image of Jesus. The call to compassion is one that mirrors how Jesus treated people. May we always live with compassion and kindness.