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As a successor to Peter, Pope John Paul II has been true to mission
Published: May 15, 2004
By Father Erik Pohlmeier
On May 18 Pope John Paul II will celebrate his 84th birthday. During his many years as pope there have been countless tributes to all that he has accomplished. Those tributes only multiply as he labors on despite the physical weakness he now endures.
I want to offer tribute here to one aspect of the life of this successor to the apostle Peter. He has fulfilled well the challenge given by Jesus in Luke 22:32. Jesus predicted the weakness of Peter in his denial, but this verse shows that Jesus knew the denial was only temporary. He says, “… once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.”
Peter would in fact prove to be a great strength as that small group of believers began to carry the message of the Gospel to the entire world.
A brief study of his successors, however, quickly shows that not all have been so strong. For some their only interest was in strengthening their own wealth or prestige. Fortunately the Holy Spirit has prevented them from causing any permanent damage to the Church. In John Paul II God has given the Church a man who understands his responsibility to strengthen all believers with word and example.
In 1981, in his first homily as pope, he declared to the whole world, “Be not afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Be not afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” The phrase “Be not afraid” has become his rallying cry as he faced head-on the greatest challenges of his day and the violence that marked the 20th century and continues today. He has echoed that call in every part of the world. Christians must continue to live in this world without fear so that the presence of Christ can bring peace through each of us.
Last year the pope celebrated his 25th anniversary as the successor of Peter and reflected on those years with various groups. Speaking to the bishops of the world, who share his responsibility in guiding the Church, he responded again to the call of Jesus to strengthen his brothers.
“The profound changes that have taken place in the past 25 years call into question our ministry as pastors, appointed by God as fearless witnesses of truth and hope. We must never lack the courage to proclaim the Gospel; indeed, it must be our prime commitment to the last breath and we must undertake it with ever renewed dedication.”
At the end of John’s Gospel we see another encounter between Jesus and Peter. After the resurrection Jesus gives Peter the chance to renew his commitment, asking him three times, “Do you love me?” As Peter confirms his love Jesus again gives him a great responsibility saying, “Feed my sheep.”
As Christians we should take comfort in the fact that we are those sheep. In that moment each of us occupied a place in the heart of Jesus. Jesus had promised never to abandon those who love him and he now gives us Pope John Paul II to feed us by pointing out the way and encouraging us to follow despite every obstacle.
His words do not falter, “Be not afraid, welcome Christ and accept his power.” While our celebration of the Easter season continues we pray for our Holy Father and we pray for ourselves, so that the risen Christ will give us hope to overcome all fear.
