Being Transformed into the Image of Christ

We, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Cor 3:18

As I write, Pope John Paul II lies near death. I am not Catholic but this is a sad time. A great man of God is nearing the end of his race, a race he ran extremely well, and for which he will enter into his eternal reward. The Pope has shown compassion and conviction in his life. He has spoke for those without a voice, the weak and the vulnerable. He has stood for righteousness and stood against evil. In fact, in a world increasingly incapable of even recognizing evil, he has shown the light of Christ into the darkness of man's soul.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds provides some elegant tributes:
John Paul the Great
Gallant Knight of Christendom

Hugh Hewitt provides some informative links on John Paul II's theological work "Theology of the Body" and the papal succession process. He also posts emails he has received from people expressing their gratitude to this man.

In 1987, I attended the papal visit in Pontiac, Michigan. Beyond the experience of seeing and hearing the Pope, I remember something that struck me as quite odd at the time. I had attended sporting events at the Pontiac Silverdome and there is the usual people rushing to and fro, especially after the game. Cutting people off. After the Pope's visit the atmosphere was remarkably different. 90,000+ people calmly exited the building, singing and praising the Lord, talking with perfect strangers as if they were family - because, after all they were (and are) brothers and sisters in the Lord. This atmosphere reflected this man - gentleness, compassion, strength, love of Lord and each other.

A picture at the back of the Pastoral Visit guide provides, for me, a summation of Pope John Paul II's ministry. John Paul has his arm around a girl of around 10. Her head is upon his chest, eyes looking up at him. He is looking down at her with love and compassion. Words do not give the picture justice. It reminds me of how Christ interacted with others.

Pope John Paul II was indeed a model of one being transformed into the image of Christ.

To my Catholic family and friends, my heart grieves with you. And like you, I look forward to that day when we will all see this great man after God's own heart once again; this time in the Lord's presence.