Courage of Papa Bene

Humility is the often used adjective to describe Pope Benedict XVI/ Papa Bene. Indeed, there is that humble and gentle spirit that pervades him. The anecdotes of those around him and have met him paint a man who is truly simple, accomodating, and patient.
Yet, I see in him another virtue and that is courage. It is not like the self-righteous, self-centered courage that wants attention to one's self and snaps at anyone that distracts.. It is not a firy kind of courage that guns at those who disagree. It is not an imposing kind of courage that wants to shove himself right into your face. It is not an aggressive, fearless kind of courage of muggers, rapists, smugglers. Neither is it a vociferous courage that tries to drown a fear of being found out.
Papa Bene, now Papa Ratzi, has courage. And it is no wonder how some people are so angry at him. He lends voice to their questions and gives a proposition that will bring them to question themselves. Unsettling, indeed.
Papa Ritzi has courage to be where he is also vulnerable. A position where he can be subjected to adulation and ridicule alike. He goes into Twitter, grants interviews, was a guest writer for Wall Street Journal, was on BBC radio. He has Q&A with the youth, the prisoners and others.. He met with the sex abused victims. He has a vulnerability borne of a courage that is not afraid to love. That knows love.
Papa Ritzi has a courage that confronts the realities of life. Such courage cultivated when he was a Prefect. He knows the ills of Christendom and the world, at large. Yet, he can fearlessly face it and do what he can do to correct. This is the courage borne of faithfulness to the Truth. He is convicted of the Truth and became a co-worker of Truth and this has given him the courage to be out in the storm and yet, never loses hope.
Papa Ratzi's renunciation of the papacy was a hallmark of courage. It is a courage to face who he is, even if it displeases other people. It is a courage that even makes him all the more vulnerable. The courage of facing who he is brings forth a strength to continue to live a faithful and purposeful life.

Most of all, Papa Ratzi has a gentle, quiet courage that comes from holiness. His personal relationship with God, his personal encounter with Jesus was the source of his courage. He believes, loves, and trusts this Person of Jesus and that was all there is for him to do what he must do.
“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.” GK Chesterton