Remember Benedict XVI

I remember reading about Joseph Ratzinger,

Introduced through the lens of Hans Kung.

The theological differences and perspectives,

The controversies between two intellectual giants.

I remember perceptions of Ratzinger.

• “God’s Rottweiler”…

The man to be feared,

The man who tried to tame Liberation theology.

I remember the man – the theologian.

I met him in the German Chapel of the Vatican.

His warmth, simplicity, courteousness, and engaging personality

Removed the cataract of earlier perceptions.

I remember seeing the man.

Stopping at a roadside café, 

Walking across St. Peter’s Square with coffee in hand,

Unassuming, ordinary, simple, and focused.

I remember witnessing the man.

As Pope Benedict XVI,

A shy but courageous man

Full of conviction in God’s calling.

I remember the power of his intellect 

Gift wrapped in the encyclicals:

Deus Caritas est (2005),

Spe Salvi (2007),

Caritas in Veritate (2009).

I remember the man with emotions.

Emotions erupted in his love for music,

Emotions erupted in his love for his brother,

Emotions emanating from playing the piano.

I remember the depth of his spirituality

Gift wrapped in humility to discern,

Discern the movement of the Spirit for new leadership,

Humility to be like a John the Baptist. 

Now, I remember and grieve for the man,

The man whose life testified to God’s mystery,

God’s mysterious power allowing weed and wheat to live together

Yet, building God’s Kingdom without the dominance of weed.

I remember the man.

We remember the man.

I celebrate the man.

We celebrate the man, the man of God

Who faithfully served the Church and God’s Kingdom.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. . .” 

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (April 16, 1927 – December 31, 2022)