On Easter Monday, we woke up to the news of the death of the beloved Pope Francis.  As Independent Catholics, we are not directly under the authority of the pope, instead we give the pope a place of honor as the successor of St. Peter and the first among equal bishops. We also pray for the pope in our Eucharistic Prayer.
 
Pope Francis was an amazing man who reminded us of the importance of mercy, hope, and compassion.  His faith was joyful, and his simplicity and humble nature were important reminders for the world that we are called to serve, rather than to be served.  His warmth and smile will be missed, as will his voice calling us to be our best selves.   
 
This weekend, we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter.  In our passage from John’s Gospel, we hear the beautiful expression of faith, “My Lord and my God” from Saint Thomas, as he encountered the Risen Lord. Saint Thomas did not blindly accept the word of others; he held out for his own encounter with the Risen Lord, and when encountered the Risen Lord, he was transformed.
 
While we may not have the opportunity to probe the hands and side of Jesus with our fingers, we can encounter the Risen Lord in the Eucharist and in one another.  Jesus invites us to see him in faces of those who suffer, who are in need of compassion, mercy, and hope.  What I loved most about Pope Francis is that he reminded us to see Jesus in the most vulnerable and to love all people without exception.  
 
Let us offer a prayer for Pope Francis this week and ask the Holy Spirit to guide the Roman Cardinals as they begin the process of selecting a new Pope.  Let us pray that the new Holy Father will continue the good work of Pope Francis with the same joy and compassion, reminding the world that “Hope Does Not Disappoint.”
 
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.
 
+ Harry