Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint John Paul II. Karol Wojtyła was born in Wadowice, Poland on 18 May 1920 and died in Rome on 2 April 2005. He served as Successor of Peter from 16 October 1978 until his death.
In many ways, John Paul II embodied the teachings that Jesus speaks of in the gospel passage proposed for today's Mass (Lk 12:35-38). Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks (Lk 12:35-36).
One of the most striking images during the pontificate of John Paul II was the moment when he opened the Holy Door in Saint Peter's Basilica to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2000. Spanning the end of one millenium and the beginning of the next, his example of joyful service, commitment and prayer inspired millions to turn to Christ.
May the prayers of this holy man, who willingly spoke of his wish to one day be a Saint, help us to respond with joyful faith and trust when the Lord calls out to us.
Have a great day.
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