Emulation

Emulation is a strong word, suggesting that a person has such extraordinary characteristics that everyone should strive to be exactly as they are. The attribute is rarely, if ever, proclaimed by the person but is used more often to describe that person along with their many attributes. It was a word that was very popular when I was in the military about a zillion years ago (yes that WOULD be before King Solomon). But the point is well taken; a person that should be emulated is certainly one that is exceptional in many, if not all, regards.

During my travels through the years I have had the opportunity to travel to many corners of the globe including one short stint on the 7th continent. One of my fascinations has been the practice of religious expressions including all the trappings that differentiate one religion from another. While all but a few have a common theme, the appearance to the casual observer is drastically different and unfortunately, as with many things, there are those that would abuse the intentions of their particular religion to make it fit their own beliefs. I can’t really say that any one stands out as the worst abuser because I have seen plenty of examples which simple reaffirms to me that people are people and despite the many different features you can attribute to them, they remain to have similar traits and practices.

For the past year I have been particularly watching the Catholic Church. Racked by financial scams, a priesthood that probably seems to many to be simply a bunch of depraved, self serving people, and leadership that simply wasn’t there. Then came along a man who simple calls himself Francis.

Hearing that Francis is a Jesuit priest was the first hint of what was to come. The fact that he came from a 3rd world country was certainly another but the first hint was how simply he dressed at the announcement he had been elected Pope. No highly ornate robes, no giant gold cross, just the simple dress that a Jesuit would wear and very little has changed since that time, one year ago. He continues to live a very simple life and practices in the Jesuit style that anyone and everyone can admire. He makes it very clear that he serves his God by serving everyone, particularly the poor. He makes it very clear that this service, his service, is more than just an act of faith but an act of obligation and his actions have not gone unnoticed. Remarkably, he not only cares for the poor, he embraces them and each and every person that he can. In the words of my son “he gets it”. Yes he does and he’s spreading the word far and wide. If ever there was a single man that could rescue the Catholic religion, he is certainly the one.

The fact is that he acts, sounds, and conducts himself as most would and should expect a holy man to act. He not only leads by example but practices what he preaches each and every day, the same way for Presidents & Kings as he does for the poor and misfortunate. The man embraces anyone and everyone, a true believer in the humanity of mankind.

If only more religious leaders and practitioners would embrace this philosophy; if our leaders around the world would work so selflessly, imagine the kind of world we would live in.

OK, OK. I know it’s just a dream, but what a dream …. Oh to sleep, and dream …..