Pope Benedict XVI was elected April 19, 2005. The Holy Week that year was marked by the grave illness of Pope John Paul II who died the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. In hindsight, media and Vaticanists say, he was the easy choice. Yet, then, noone was really thinking out loud that Ratzinger was a strong papal candidate. He was a "politically incorrect" choice. He had many enemies and he was far removed from the charismatic image of Pope John Paul II.
If people were surprised at the election of Pope Francis because they don't know him. In 2005, people were surprised at the election of Joseph Ratzinger because they knew him. Tears of joy flowed as the Latin name of Joseph was mentioned. The Holy Spirit was undaunted by the media and the culture. That was truly the work of the Holy Spirit. Rarely would the Holy Spirit interfere with the politicking of humanity but will, inspite of it, not allow any Church teaching to be contrary to the Truth and God. It is Divine Justice that the Truth will always be made available throughout the ages.
Joseph Ratzinger was born on Holy Saturday, April 16. Thus, the Lenten Season and the Passion of Christ would hold a special place in him. His book, Jesus of Nazareth, vol2 on the Passion of Christ was one of his most popular book.
"And when they had said an hymn, they went forth to the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalized in my regard this night; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be dispersed. But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee." (Mark 14:26-28 DRA)
Benedict XVI, even as prefect of CDF, has desired for retirement. Yet, he had to stay in the Garden of Gethsemane and say "Not my will, but Your Will be done". The labor of the Sun made the Olive grove ripe and ready, Benedict XVI like an oil press was set to share his mind, heart, and strength to the world.
Pope Benedict XVI was dearly loved or viciously hated. In his mount of Olives, he was betrayed by people who had access to him. Those that feed him, give him his medicine. Those who knew his iteneraries. Benedict XVI allowed himself to be VULNERABLE, a heroic COURAGE to love and be loved. It was a courage that comes from sanctity, a close relationship with Jesus Christ, who has made Himself vulnerable as a little Babe and a crucified Messiah, naked and nailed to a Cross. With this relationship, Benedict XVI was able to sustain himself even in hostile environment, going to hostile territories, tackling extremely controversial issues.
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, standing in the sight of the lord of the earth.[Rev11:4]
Benedict XVI brought into fruition the pre-Vatican and post- Vatican. The continuity that suffered by the fragility of the flower of flowers papacy of Paul VI. It was an era of the flower children (hippies). Paul VI, who was himself fragile, laid out the truth in this fragile times and bore in his head the crown of thorns of the flower. Benedict XVI reconciled the pre and post Vatican II correcting the misinterpretations that had prevailed.
In our disconnect world, Benedict XVI wove in the tapestry the intricate connections of things: Faith and Reason, Charity and Truth, Hope and Salvation, Beauty and God. He was, undoubtedly, of great mind, but it was an intellect not deprived of inspiration.
Benedict XVI was not carrying a branch of olive, he disturbed the peace of one's comfort zone. He courageously addressed the questions of the heart, and it can make one accept or violently reject. Such courage he possessed wasn't a whimsical courage of those who do not care. It was not an angry courage of a self-righteous. It was not an angry courage fuelled by hate. His was a HOLY COURAGE anchored on a Truth he sought, embraced, and nurtured.
I will be as the dew, Israel shall spring as the lily, and his root shall shoot forth as that of Libanus. His branches shall spread, and his glory shall be as the olive tree: and his smell as that of Libanus. They shall be converted that sit under his shadow: they shall live upon wheat, and they shall blossom as a vine: his memorial shall be as the wine of Libanus. (Hosea 14:6-8 DRA)
The short papacy of Benedict XVI was amazingly rich. It was a surprise to the world that the pope who lack the stage presence and charm of his predecessor would draw crowds; And his books, homilies, and writings would be read.
Benedict XVI's papacy was the culmination of Benedict XV's papacy. Giacomo Della Chiesa had seen the continuing decimation of Christianity. As a seminarian in Rome, he saw the depopulation of religious life which Pecci was trying to rebuild. As a priest, his assignment in Madrid saw the revolution and overthrow of the regency of Ma. Cristina. Evenmore so in his papacy, apart from being the pope of World War I, Benedict XV was at the bark of Peter when two forces contrived in 1917: The Bolshevik Revolution giving birth to communism and socialism, and the Birth Control League which gave birth to Planned Parenthood - artificial contraception and abortion. It was a battle for Eve and Mary took part in the battle with her apparition in Fatima, Portugal. Benedict XV's papacy was marked with Religion being pushed to the margin.
It was redeemed with the long and energetic papacy of John Paul II who labored to shine even when his own sunset was approaching. Benedict XVI pushed it and religion was back with a voice into the public square and into the digital mission field.
Benedict XVI was God's loving surprise to mankind. Like an Olive Tree who wants to do its part in the Vineyard, yet never wanting attention for himself. Uncomfortable as he was with the media attention he was given, he did not shun it like a renegade. He humbly allowed himself to be used, but always carrying with him the Christ who is foremost his Master, his Love, and his Joy.
It was apt that Benedict XVI would end his papacy like an Olive Tree that withstood the lightning and the storm. He would renounce the papacy but he will not abandon the children. He was like a father who lets go of the bicycle but quietly and prayerfully watch his children. It was the best way to teach.
And like the Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, he quietly and serenely bore witness to the Love of Christ for the pilgrims to encounter Jesus. Indeed, Benedict XVI's papacy was the glory of the Olives, Gloria oliuæ.
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