The Pope in the USA: Mighty Deeds

In today’s Gospel Jesus reminds us, “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.  For whoever is not against us is for us.  Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.”

Pope Francis has arrived some days ago in the United States and today he will be celebrating Mass in Philadelphia.  Pope Francis’ words and actions embody Jesus’ call of performing mighty deeds.

          

Yet, what does one think of when Jesus says mighty deeds?  One may think of Moses parting the Red Sea, or King David slaying Goliath, or Daniel being unharmed when thrown into the Lion’s Den.  Surely those are all miraculous and divinely assisted events.  They were indeed mighty deeds.  However, Jesus refers to mighty deeds as giving someone a cup of water to drink.

This cup of water is both literal, yes we should give someone a cup of water who is in need of drink, but it is also symbolic, i.e. all are in need, be it physical, emotional or spiritual need and in those times where I had the opportunity did I perform a mighty deed?

Pope Francis has been reminding us since the beginning of his Pontificate that mighty deeds are yes, moments such as Moses parting the Red Sea, but they are also in moments in which I help the poor, the destitute as well as helping others who are in emotional crisis or at a spiritual crossroads.  Opportunities to perform mighty deeds are placed before us each day.  Pope Francis has been preaching on the simplicity of the Gospel message since day one, a practical approach to Christian living.  Some like to see the Pope as “The Defender of the Faith,” and see him only as a sturdy theological guru, but that is not the office of Pope or at least not in its essence as St. Peter himself said, “So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.  Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.  Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.   And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)  Pope Francis has led by being an example first.  His example has been one of humility, i.e. driving around in a Ford Focus, riding the bus to work while he was Cardinal, keeping to simple vestments.  But more importantly tending to the poor, the outcast, and the down trodden.

If we take anything away from the Holy Father’s visit is that we too are now enlivened – encouraged, and stirred to assisting all in need, be it feeding the poor to actually sitting down with a friend who needs to unload the world on our shoulders for a few moments for some relief, am I willing to help and carry the load?  Evangelization, fellowship, and good works all go hand in hand.  The Lord has given us life giving waters he now demands and requires that we share that life giving water with all and to never count the cost.  Pope Francis from day one as Pontiff right up to his visit with us has continually reminded us of sharing that water with others.  My prayer is that we continue to do so, God bless our Holy Father Francis and strengthen his vocation as our Chief Shepherd.