Preparing for the election of a new Pope - remembering St Athanasius

 

At this time, as our attention is on Rome and the coming Conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis, we are encouraged by today's readings and also today's saint. In the first reading from Acts 5:34-42, the distinguished and respected doctor of the Law, Gamaliel, gives this advice to the Jewish religious leaders who are planning to silence the Apostles. ''If this movement of theirs is of human origin, it will break up of its own accord, but if in fact it comes from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.'' The fact that the movement of Jesus spread by the Apostles has now been in existence for 2,000 years shows the truth of Gamaliel's words. It is God's work and we can pray with confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide the Conclave members. At present they are discussing the qualities they hope to find in the new Pope. They could do no better than reflect on today's gospel (John 6:1-15) where Jesus feeds the hungry multitude. Our hope is that the new Pope will live out the concern of Jesus for the poor and needy as Francis did. Today is also the memorial of St Athanasius who was fearless defender of the divinity of Christ at the time of the Arian heresy. He opposed several Roman Emperors and was sent into exile 5 times in the 4th century. May the new Pope also show the same love for Jesus and for the church that Athanasius showed.