Remarkable Visit

Before writing this reflection, I read information about the visit of Pope Francis in this site http://papalvisit.ph/the-papal-visit-itinerary/. I just learn that the Pope will visit here in the on January 15-19, 2015. I though he will visit here prior to that date. I thought he will visit before Sinulog. Anyways, it doesn’t matter because he didn’t come for that event. Based on the program of his visitation, he will visit at least 11 venues in the province of Leyte and Metro Manila.

He will also visit the victim of the typhoon Yolanda in Palo Leyte and offer a mass there. He will even dine with the people there during lunch time. He will also have a motorcade and offer a mass in different venues in Metro Manila.

            This visit of Pope Francis will not just impact the lives of the Roman Catholic believers but will also challenge Evangelicals to pray harder about this visit. At first, I really feel mad about this visit because my unbelieving family is really proud about this visit. They really are boasting about this. But as I read through the program, I just figured out that his purpose on visiting is not to add fame and glory. His aim was to help and encourage those who are in need. Though this is his purpose, my mind can’t help to think that this is just hypocrisy. It’s just another show to let the people show that Popes bring hope and compassion. I hope this thinking of mine is wrong.

            For now, the best thing that I can do since I can’t stop his visitation in the Philippines is to pray harder. Pray that people may not worship the Pope but to trust God. It is also my prayer that as the Pope visit, he may lead the people into the right worship to God. He may direct the worship of the people not to him but to Jesus Christ alone. I hope that would happen as he visit here. If not, then it’s ok. It’s understandable.