I Miss Pope Benedict XVI

Humility seemed to echo in the Catholic world. But to me, the portrait of authentic humility is Pope Benedict XVI.

As a cardinal, he used to commute and walk, garbed in his black suit and collar but when he became Pope he accepted the changes in his life. He said a total "yes" albeit with fear and trembling.
Benedict XVI became a pope and he shared generously his heart and mind. But he left all the rest of him. There was no more Ratzinger.
He accepted the gifts given to him be it a pair of shoes, a car, solar panels but also the misinterpretations, adulation, and criticism. He wasn't just a giver but he allowed himself to be a recipient deeming himself in equality as children of God.
Benedict XVI allowed himself to be helped. No arrogant self-sufficiency that everything can only be done well and right by him. He recognized that he could be assisted with the household, with security, with writing his books. It is necessary to fulfill what he is called for. It was different, he used to answer every letter he received. He used to grant invitation requests to the houses of different colleges. As pope, he should abide by the protocol.
Benedict XVI knows that what he has to offer was not his alone so he honors and respect his predecessors from whose wisdom he had received.
Benedict XVI knows he is a creature and he honors the Kingship and Beauty of the Creator. Elevating the Creator in His rightful place and letting God be God in our lives - the King, the Author, the Source of all Love.
Benedict XVI knows that the man is distinct from the office he holds. He knows his mission but he knows he is dispensable. He steps down.

I feel more orphaned now that we have a new pope. More than the time Benedict XVI abdicated. Pope Francis is likeable, he is very much like the Jesuit-formed Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle whom I admired. Pope Francis is actually like our parish priest and the many wonderful priests around. And that is why I feel orphaned because I do not have a pope.

In spite of it, we are never really orphaned because God is our loving Father, Jesus our saving Brother, and the Holy Spirit who leads and breathes love. Thus, we remain faithful. In humility and trust, we accept what God permits and discern what God truly wills for us.