Yes, we are going to see the Pope! (This, of course, is a photo of my husband Bill and I with a likeness of the Pope – taken at our church picnic!) People have been teasing us that we are absolutely crazy to venture into Philadelphia this coming weekend to see the Pope. I have always had a big streak of boldness in me which has helped me advance in my author career and do things like take advantage of the opportunity to do a book signing at the Barnes and Noble in downtown Philly right before the Pope says mass a few blocks away, where more than a million people will be congregated! But it has also hindered me when I have forgotten to be humble. Bill has always had a big streak of humility in him, which has helped him to be a kind, gentle, loving person of service to others. He is also one of the people telling me we are crazy to go to Philly this weekend and yet he is supportive enough to come along for the ride. But sometimes he is glad (after the fact) when I drag him along on adventures he may not otherwise experience. (our trip to Italy for example!) I guess that’s why we are perfect soulmates. It reminds me that each of us was made with a unique mixture of qualities that can be used to help one another, but we need to keep them in balance. So when we are amid the throngs, trying to get a seat on the train, and an elderly or handicapped person needs to board even though we’ve been waiting for hours, I will need to lean on my husband’s humility (and kindness). But hopefully, at the end of the day, he will be glad for taking the risk and being bold enough to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Saint Paul was a bold disciple, always speaking out. But he was also put in chains and needed to rely on others to carry his message when he was in prison.  He encouraged us to be bold and humble: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…and let us consider one anther in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” (Hebrews 10:19-25) Praying for safe and joyful travels to the Pope and all who venture forth to see him….and for those who humbly serve one another each and every  day. Amen.
