The Ones Who Get To Go To The Funeral

this morning I started thinking about the dignitaries

the ones who attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II

you know, the heads of state

because the Pope represents Jesus you know, on earth,

his presence amid the troubles of the world

so isn't it right and correct and touched with gold and magic

that only dignitaries are invited though maybe a few old friends

from Poland made it in...

that there should be this symbiosis you know

somehow

I don't understand anything in this world.

In his travels John Paul sought out the poor

those who are called the rank and file.

He was serious about it.

And so were they.

in the gospels the crowds that followed Jesus

were largely the poor, the distressed, those who needed a friend

who had no networking connections shall we say

someone to speak a kind word whom they could see and sometimes touch

and sometimes he would ask, can I come home with you and can we eat supper

and then I know Jesus was happy and the rank and file person he chose to

sup with was most certainly happy.. Zacharias up in the palm tree for instance

a little supper probably. maybe lentil stew or a couple of fish with some honey.

a few figs. who knows. the glory of God.

I don't think even one person like that was invited to Pope John Paul's funeral.

and I have nothing speciic against Kings or Presidents, ministers of war.

It just seems curious to me.

a thing that causes unease in my heart.

mary angela douglas 1 april 2021