On Monday morning, my cell phone began sending signals of missed calls and waiting text messages around 6:15.  My eyes still hadn’t adjusted to the internal strain as, without eye glasses, I read, “Pope Announces Resignation!”  There are, indeed, some things you just can’t make up. 

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, had succeeded to the Chair of Peter eight years ago, following the long suffering and eventual death of his beloved predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, whom the world dubbed, “The Traveling Pope.” 

It didn’t take our world much time to recognize that the new Pastor of 1.3 billion Catholic Christians, and a world leader, would become known as “The Teaching Pope.”  This skilled scholar, steeped in wisdom, would seek to engage us – through reason and the tools of faith – not just to the “knowledge” of God but to a lively relationship with God, in God’s Son, Jesus of Nazareth.  In fact, the Pope’s three books are a worthy read of the call of all people, not just Catholics and Christians, to the lasting gifts of faith, hope and charity.  In his books and encyclicals, his homilies and weekly audiences, Pope Benedict taught as few others ever had; whether one agreed with him, or as sometimes many did not, this Pope took his responsibility to heart – to call all people to “return to God with all our heart.” 

Like any beloved professor, mentor, coach, parent or priest, however, we shall never forget the last lesson he offered us, the power and instruction that is to be found in his own example.  As startling as his morning announcement was (only one reporter was able to translate from Latin what he was saying), perhaps the true lesson of the Pope’s personal example could be found with what he did, later that day. 

In a visit to an assisted living residence, Pope Benedict walked into a room full of Roman elders – women and men who could be seen in pictures touched by his friendship and presence.  As their applause and their hugs and kisses ended, he was heard saying, “I come to you as an old man visiting his peers!”  And, then, moments later with a smile on his face that matched theirs, Benedict said simply, “It’s beautiful to be old!” 

The teaching Pope, who always exhorted a respect for human life, from its natural beginning to its natural end, leaves us – especially in the West and in our own utilitarian and individualistic culture – this lasting lesson: value our elders, care for those who are frail, and remember that we are not defined by what we “do” but by who we are and, over a lifetime, who we become. 

And so, right here at home, I value the life-lesson of the recently deceased Mary P. Lees, longtime parishioner here at Our Lady of Victory Parish.  Renewing her faith some years ago, Mary determined to live it more sincerely and in doing so established a once-a-month luncheon for “senior” members of the community at large.  With a cadre of like-minded faith-walking friends, the first luncheon saw a little over 20 participants enjoy a simple and lovingly prepared meal together.  Spurred on by one person’s remark, “You know, this is the only time I’ve been out of my house in ages,” that luncheon continues on, now in her name.  Last count: over 240 fed – and nourished.  There are indeed some things you just can’t make up. 

As Pope Benedict XVI enters into much deserved rest – this side of the grave – may our good wishes and prayers travel with him.  And, as we grow in respect for our elders and make the lot of their lives our daily concern, let’s heed the admonition of Charles Dickens: “Charity begins at home and justice begins next door.” 

The Rev. Mark R. Hession is pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville (www.olvparish.org)