Pope Francis, Repairing Our Church Of Ruins.

After 60 plus years of being a Catholic, finally a Pope comes along with a no frills approach on leading our church. Pope Francis has certainly set himself apart from most of the pomp and ceremony of past Pontiffs. I believe that Pope Francis in just a short time is soaring in popularity for one simple reason; his ability to view the world just as Christ sees it. From day one Pope Francis has instilled a common sense approach on how we must face the many social issues that plague our society.Isn't it ironic that Saint Padre Pio's favorite Saint was Saint Francis? And Saint Padre Pio will be forever known as the Saint who said "Pray, Hope And Don't Worry!" Now Pope Francis is carrying the same message to the world that we must pray with hope but that we do not focus much on the sinfulness of issues like abortion, homosexuality and other social concerns. Pope Francis continues to intrigue the world with his "what would Jesus do teachable moments." Time after time Pope Francis brings us a message  from Christ that life is about love, understanding, and compassion, which most definitely perpetuates forgiveness. A lesson that we must be Christ like no matter what the trial, tribulation or situation is. For me personally Pope Francis has been an ultimate influence in my ministry with the poor, homeless, sick and less fortunate. Through his demeanor of humility he has given me a better sense of understanding and challenging social issues. Understanding that social issues cannot be solve with bitterness and hatred in ones heart. That Jesus never said "hate them for they know not what they do." He said "forgive them for they know not what they do." The humble simplicity of Pope Francis has made him one of the most misunderstood Pontiffs in the history of the church. This could very well be because the world has become a stranger to the way of Christ. What I admire about this Pope is his ability to strip away all the baggage of fame and walk in the footsteps of Christ. Viewing the world through the eyes of Jesus. Pope Francis continues to be a imitation of St. Francis who surrendered worldliness to follow Christ. For the first time in centuries Catholic's and the world are witnessing a more practical simple way to follow Christ.I cannot begin to explain the impact he has had on my ministry. Changing the perception that we must "love the sinner, but hate the sin to we must love the sinner and forgive the sin." That we are all sinners and do not have the right to judge others. That the scale of justice belongs to God. With the understanding that the presence of Christ dwells within everyone, but since there is no physical presence we are representatives of Christ who must speak the truth with love and compassion.Recently Pope Francis shocked the world with his statement regarding homosexuals seeking God. Making him the first Pope to ever use the word "gay." Never veering from church doctrine, but saying "who am I to judge?To me the Pope set the tone especially for someone like myself who was called to be a Brother. Allowing me to come into the religious life as a gay man allowing God to free me from the homosexual lifestyle. Reminding me how the church first opposed Mother Teresa when she insisted that God called her to begin a new religious order that will work with the poorest of the poor. Calling herself a pencil in the hand of God. And eventually the church saying "who are we to stop a pencil in the hand of God?"While the church has rejected my call for over five years, Pope Francis in a similar way is saying who are we to slam the door on someone seeking the love of God. In my case it was slamming the door someone answering the call of God. Pope Francis is standing firm on church doctrine, but I believe he is cleaning up the clutter of confusion that's caused so many to stray from the Word of God.This marks my sixth year as a Lay Brother of Padre Pio. Pope Francis has paved the way for me to pay less attention to church political correctness and protocol and just follow Christ with the understanding that God has me exactly where He wants me. To stay committed to my call, and to prepare myself to be on the outside looking in with a willingness to speak the truth and defend God's church at all cost. Never forgetting that no soul gets left behind.Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air blowing through a church in need of purification and reconciliation. Teaching us how to reincorporate the Word of God into a modernistic world. Making Catholicism a little less complicated by simplifying the way we conduct our day to day spiritual lives. Encouraging us to be less judgmental and more welcoming to those who have lost their way.What we are witnessing is a humble man on a mission to repair our church. To rekindle the flame of love for God into the hearts and minds of all. Making the church a kinder and gentler place where God awaits all who seek Him.Brother Christopher Sale B.P.P.