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“It Is A Dangerous Time. Pray For Us.” – March 11th, 2013 6:46 pm

I knew something was up.  I felt it in my bones.
And I feel somewhat vindicated by this most recent post by Dr. Robert Moynihan, founder and editor-in-chief of Inside the Vatican magazine.

But before you read that, let me recount my words on social media shortly after hearing news that the Vicar of Christ was relinquishing his post.

On Facebook…

February 11 near Oakville via mobile
Just finished my first go round on the Great Western Schism. For all intents and purposes, while it may mark the third time a pope has “resigned”, the one in our midst is unprecedented. At first blush, this is tremendously unsettling. Hours after first hearing the news, I haven’t changed.
What the heck compelled me to get up at 2:57 this morning to recite the Joyful Mysteries?
Remain joyful in His love, perhaps?…
Lord, help us.
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And then,

Many on the internet are wondering who might be the next pope. Some have been talking about the need to have a pope who knows how to act in this fast-moving era… one proficient at social media… one with an extensive library… one whose knowledge of theology is second to none… one who knows how to get people back into the Church… and on… and on… and on…

Here’s what I know; Peter was a fisherman.

A fisherman.

Don’t be surprised if the next pope doesn’t even own a laptop, but – like St. Peter – will jump on a rooftop to proclaim a message in all simplicity that even a child will understand.

Don’t be surprised.

Good Lord, You are incredible. Jesus, I Trust in You.

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And, a little later on…

Please pray for the safety of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
I fear he has angered many within and without the Church with this announcement. Let’s be clear, here – the pope is now not off to “holiday” at Castel Gandolfo. We are at war, here.

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Followed by…
“And we must do our best to accept that like a humble and adored teacher, Benedict now forces on his students a hard lesson: that the teacher should never be the focus of our final attention and love.”

It is my opinion that we continue to place our undivided attention on Holy Mother Church. I’m sure Joseph Ratzinger would want it this way.

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And then, a week later, via Twitter…

  • I can’t shake this feeling of an impending, earth-shattering… rift. Pray to God, “Lord, I accept and love my cross for love of You.” #pray

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Yes.  Pray.

Pray very hard.

I will not join any March Madness Vatican-style “pool”.  I will not “Adopt a Cardinal”.  I will not make light, in any way, or latch on to gimmickry what has befallen the very Bride of Christ.

Shall I “lighten up”?  Sure.  But not about this papal election.  Certainly not about this.
I knew something was up.
I know something is up.

At this time, I harken to Our Lord’s words to Peter in Gethsemane.
“Watch.  Pray.”

Danger looms.

Pray.