7 Quick Takes Friday

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It's been an exciting week for Catholics and for the world.  On Wednesday I was picking my daughter up from a friend's house when I received three texts from friends simultaneousy that said "Habemus Papem".  I raced home in a safe fashion and streamed EWTN Live on my laptop.  We do not have cable television.  I sat excited and nervous as I waited for our new Pope to appear.  I was living in Europe when Pope Benedict XVI was elected, but I worked crazy hours and did not have television, so I missed the election.  This time I was ready to watch history.  I was ready to see the third Pope of my lifetime.  Wondering if I would love him as much as I have loved Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benecit XVI.  Once our new Holy Father appeared at the balcony I was struck by him.  First, he seemed overwhelmed and a bit terrified.  I prayed for him.  I cannot blame him.  He now has not only the 1.2 billion Catholics on his shoulders, but all the 6 billion people on this planet who desparately need Christ.  I don't know Italian so I had to wait for EWTN to translate for me.  Once our now Pope Francis bowed and asked for our prayers, I lost it and cried.  What a beautiful testament to Christ.  He came as a humble carpenter's son from a small town in ancient Palestine.  Now before us was a humble man from Argentina, who chose to live the Gospel completely.  Even as a Cardinal, he chose simplicity and service to the poor while preaching the authentic doctrine of the Church.  As I have read elsewhere, we have been blessed with a philospher Pope, theologian Pope, and now we have a Pope to show us how to live the Gospel in a tangible way.  I love that he is a Jesuit (a real Jesuit), chose a Franciscan name, and is wearing the Dominican papal robes.  Our Church is so beautiful.  These will be exciting and interesting times for Holy Mother Church. Viva Papa Francis! 

Speaking of Popes, here is a picture that I just discovered with all three Popes of my lifetime together.

 

 

 

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Here are some of my favorite blogs and articles about our new Pope Francis:

 

Pope Francis picks up his own luggage and pays his hotel bill himself.

 

Fr. Dwight Longenecker on our new Marian Pope.

 

George Weigel's meeting with Cardinal Bergoglio, now Pope Francis.

 

Pope Francis asks his Argentine Cardinals to donate to the poor rather than attend his installation.

 

Simcha Fisher's reaction to Pope Francis.

 

Cardinal Dolan on Pope Francis.

 

Pope Francis prays at the tomb of Pope St Pius V.

 

Fr. Dwight Longenecker on the Election.

 

 

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It is never too early to teach your child how to pray and love Jesus.  Our daughter is 20 months old and I have started letting her hold a Rosary while I pray Divine Mercy or the Rosary.  She likes to kiss the crucifix and medal of Mary to send her love heavenward.  She says "Amen" after she hears me say it and if she had the coordination she would do the Sign of the Cross on her own. :And, sometimes, she eats the Rosary.  She is only 20 months old after all.

 

 

 

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One thing that I am really learning is that we all are called to evangelize.  I am not very good at it.  My Catholic Faith can take on too much of an intellectual element at times, which makes it harder for me to just share Jesus Christ with others.  Apparently, despite my deficiences, Our Lord is still calling me to share Him and His Church with people.  When I follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit my life continues to take surprising turns.

 

 

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If you are a baseball fan, I would like to recommend Clint Eastwood's latest movie Trouble with the Curve.  He is a baseball scout who has had a difficult relationship with his daughter, played by Amy Adams.  It is PG-13 and has some rude language and sexual innuendo (nothing graphic).  I really enjoyed the movie, so check it out.

 

 

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If you are a Rival Crock Pot fan this news will excite you.  Last week the handle broke on my Crock Pot, so I emailed the company to ask for a replacement lid.  Since my Crock Pot is super old and they no longer carry parts, they just sent me a brand new Crock Pot.  It is stainless steal and can cook up to 6lbs of meat.  My husband and I are super excited to try it out soon.  If you ever have a component of your cooker go out, just contact them and they will do a one-time replacement for free.  What a great business plan!  Here is the link to search for parts and to contact the company.

 

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My fast from Facebook has been going well.  The only thing that I missed this past week was the celebration of our new Pope and Catholic Memes.  I will catch up on Sunday when I pop on since Sunday is not a day of fasting, and incidentally neither is the Feast of St. Joseph, which is when Pope Francis will be installed.  Next Tuesday is a day of great celebration for the Church.  My fast has been good for me because it has given me time for other things and also given me a break from the onslaught of American politics.  If you have never tried a Facebook fast, give it a try.  Have a very blessed weekend!