I must confess. I was definitely taken up with Pope fever. Father forgive me for I know not what I am doing. I drove into Manhattan for two of the busiest days New York City has seen in a very long time.
Ignoring all gridlock alerts and advice to take the train, I packed up my daughter Johanna, wheelchair and our assistance puppy-in-training, and headed for the streets of Manhattan to be swept up in the fervor of a man named Francis.
Now, truth be told, (especially when one is confessing and writing about the Pope), Johanna and I drive into Manhattan a lot. Raising a child who is one of only 100 people in the world with an as-yet incurable disease, I am very grateful that we are only a short drive away from some of the best doctors and healthcare centers in the world. We count our doctors among them.
This week was really no different than many others. We had two doctor appointments to talk view and discuss Jo’s brain. When given the choice of the beginning or the end of the week, of course I chose the end of the week because, well, the Pope (and millions of other people) would be there.
Everyone told me I was crazy, most especially my son and my husband, neither of whom offered to assist us on our medical and faith-filled pilgrimage. Everyone told me to take the train. Have you ever tried to take the train with a wheelchair and a large (and very adorable) golden retriever, brain scans, medical supplies, water and a bag of snacks for humans and canines, all tucked inside a dog bowl?
It’s quite the challenge to unload the car at the parking garage. I can’t even imagine trying to do this on the trains and subway stations in the busiest city in the world.
So despite the naysayers, I packed the car, grabbed my rosary and headed up the LIE for our two-day pilgrimage to see two doctors and a Pope.
As God would have it, the Pope was with us as we made the 50-mile trek into Manhattan. His voice, trailing in broken English, came across the car radio live as he gave a historic speech to a joint session of Congress. It was so much better listening than watching it on television. I listened intently and hung on every word from the little man from Argentina who now held a nation captivated by his peaceful presence and words of wisdom.
On the floor of the capitol of the greatest nation in the world, in front of some of the most influential men and women in the United States, this humble man who is Father to Catholics and people of many faith, and even some without faith, spoke simple words with profound truth. I listened intently as I drove, tears streaming down my face and loud cheers rising from the depths of my being, as the Holy Father proclaimed the very good news that is the source and foundation of my church and my very life.
He covered topics that some thought were too political: immigration, respect for human life, the death penalty, climate change. But his goal was not to enter the sparring between political parties and ideologies.
His intention was evident and could be summarized in one simple scripture which he challenged Congress to remember and proclaimed clearly for all the world to hear: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Mt. 7:12)
Pope Francis said, “This rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us. The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.”
One of my favorite online sources for Pope Francis paraphernalia is a line of products and a social media hashtag called #lovelikeFrancis. As described on their website “#lovelikeFrancis is a lay initiative to help Pope Francis spread the Gospel message of love and compassion.” The products and promotions encourage us all to heed Pope Francis’ message to live by the Golden Rule.
As I went about our day of neurological tests and discussions of brain scans and walked among the feverish pitch present in the Big Apple ready to greet the Holy Father, I tried to remember to #LoveLikeFrancis. When I tired of navigating a wheelchair on the Manhattan sidewalks, of paying parking and Uber fees, I remembered to treat others with the dignity they so deserve. The person taking my money and trying my patience is providing us a service my daughter and I need. But beyond their functional role in my very busy day, they are more than just their jobs. These are people, made in the image of our God, all worthy of respect and honor for the dignity of all human beings.
The next day, as we stood for hours outside and inside Central Park, I remembered #lovelikeFrancis. I moved aside for at least four pushy people, but I stood my ground when the fifth one pushed, so as to protect my daughter.
Instead of checking my phone for endless texts and updates, I met the people we walked alongside. They shared their pain and grief, the loved ones who were lost, the disabled who came to seek affirmation and healing from the Pope who embraces the broken. There were hours and hours of stories upon stories, strangers from different cultures and places, inspired by Pope Francis to live by The Golden Rule.
We had ample time to speak to NYPD officers along the way. Most of them had been on duty for days on end, all to protect us and the Holy Father. They provided us with a safe place for this modern pilgrimage. They took pictures for us and we took pictures of them. We applauded and affirmed them for their service.
We all had our fleeting glimpse of the Holy Father, as he rode down Central Park, surrounded by security, amidst the joyful cries of thousands. The Pope Mobile set him high above the road, but the humility and love which exuded from our Pontiff lifted him even higher in our eyes.
When he passed, the crowds lingered. I didn’t hear one person complain that it wasn’t worth the wait, rather most everyone one smiled, shared selfies and hugged goodbye to new-found friends.
As we drove away from Central Park, my husband asked Johanna what was her favorite part of this very special day. Without hesitation Johanna replied, “The people we met.” Ah yes, she heard and felt the message of Pope and love liked Francis, to the greater glory of God.
Eileen Benthal is a writer, speaker and wellness coach with a B.A. in Theology from Franciscan University. She is the author of Breathing Underwater: A Caregiver’s Journey of Hope.
