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| Danke, Heiliger Vater. |
Words seem mute at this point. How can we adequately express our gratitude for a man who has, in humble obedience, devoted his entire life to the service of the Lord, His people, and the good of mankind? How can our hopelessly small words convey the depth of our love for him, our admiration for his labors or the sting of our collective grief over his abrupt departure? I guess they can't.
I don't think I exaggerate when I say that many of us feel personally bereft, like we're losing a beloved guide and mentor; a grandfather in Christ. For eight years, his has been the face of the papacy. For eight years, when I'd crawl out of bed at 3:30 a.m. on holy days, his were the words, the chants, the reassurances and proclamations of the Gospel that helped sustain my sometimes wavering faith. For eight years, he was our rock, an unfailing source of stability in a time defined by its chaos and uncertainty. No matter what happens, I'd say to myself, God is still God and Ratzinger is still speaking for Him.When that happens, you get attached. Now he has decided that,for the good of God's Church, he must surrender the Keys which had been entrusted him almost a decade ago. I trust his judgement, and I have no reason to doubt that it was the right decision, but I confess that this hurts. It hurts a great deal. However, c'est la vie. The Church will roll on as it has for the past 2,000 years, saving souls and preaching the Gospel, until Christ returns in glory.
The only thing we can do now is besiege Heaven in thanks for this "humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord", and that he may have a blessed, happy retirement. Enjoy it, Holy Father. No one deserves it more than you.
