Today we read about Pope St Paul VI in the book In Caelo et in Terra. He worked in the Vatican for many years before being promoted to pope. He was promoted RIGHT in the middle of Vatican II, one of the most tumultuous times in the church. It would have been easy for him to let the Vatican II proceedings fall apart - but he held it together and had three more sessions before its conclusion, bringing about a much needed change in the church.
He then went on to write Humana Vitae, the encyclical that clearly states and embodies (pun intended) the theology of human sexuality and the church's continuing stance against contraception. This was NOT popular, especially since it was written in the midst of the sexual revolution, when most churches throughout the world were embracing contraception as a means of family planning. But he courageously laid the ground work for future teachers and writers like John Paul II to carry the truth of the meaning of our great gift and burden of sexuality to those living today. You can read more about him here.
We are going through a tumultuous time today, as well. What role does God call YOU to fill in the events unfolding around you? Ask Him, if you're not sure.
God, thanks for the great example of this courageous pope. Pope St Paul VI, pray for us.
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