|
Book Review
Collection of writings shows Benedict’s admiration of John Paul
Reviewed by Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
September 20, 2007
In the forward to “John Paul II: My Beloved Predecessor,” noted Catholic journalist John L. Allen, Jr. describes what he sees as the main difference between Benedict XVI and John Paul II.
Allen relates how in a 1996 interview then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger explained John Paul II’s vision of a “new springtime of the human spirit.”
Ratzinger said the pope saw the first millennium as one of unity, the second as division and the third as one of new unity for the entire human family.
“After having set out this grand vision Ratzinger permitted himself a touch of skepticism: ‘At the moment,’ he observed wryly, ‘I do not see it yet approaching,’” Allen writes.
“There, in a single phrase, lies the contrast between Karol Wojtyla the poet and mystic, and Joseph Ratzinger the academic and realist,” he continues.
And yet, despite very different personalities, these two men worked harmoniously with each other for so many years and forged a real friendship, Allen writes, because, at their core, each was focused on the same thing.
“These two men were gripped by the same truth — or, better expressed, the same Truth, in the person of Jesus Christ, and in the company of the Church,” he writes.
This book, a collection of writings by Benedict XVI on John Paul II, goes a long way to support Allen’s claim.
Entries include reflections on John Paul’s first 20 years as pope, an interpretation of his 14 encyclicals, thoughts on his poetry and the homily Cardinal Ratzinger gave at John Paul II’s funeral.
But at every turn, you get the sense that Benedict XVI is really looking beyond John Paul II or, rather, looking through him to learn more about living a Christ-filled life. You also get the sense that the late pope wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Take, for example, Cardinal Ratzinger reflecting on his time with the pope during World Youth Day in Paris.
“Truly essential for these days was the fact that the pope made palpable the reality of the Church, the reality of the mystery, something that goes well beyond human capacities and abilities,” he writes. “He was at the center, yet the center was not his own person, but rather Christ, whom he represented.”
In the same way, Ratzinger viewed John Paul’s use of the personal “I” pronoun in his writings — rather than the traditional and more formal “we” — not as an attempt at individuality, but as a way to more fully incorporate his office as pope into his life.
“I believe that such a fusion between the ‘we’ and the ‘I,’ developed by living the faith and reflection upon it, is the essential foundation of this pope’s allure,” he writes.
“This fusion permits him to live his sacred ministry in a completely free and natural way; it permits him to be completely himself as pope, without having to be afraid of letting his office slide too far into subjectivism,” he writes.
Finally, John Paul’s naturalness as pope and the way he tried so personally to identify himself with Christ, leads to this moving reflection by Ratzinger during his homily at John Paul II’s funeral:
“The Holy Father was a priest to the last, for he offered his life to God for His flock and for the entire human family, in a daily self-oblation for the service of the Church, especially amid the sufferings of his final months,” he said.
“And in this way he became one with Christ, the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep.”
The book is a compelling read not only because of the light it sheds on John Paul II, but also because readers are afforded a glimpse into Benedict XVI’s mind. In this way it’s especially interesting to read his thoughts on the papacy and what makes a good pope while he was still a cardinal.
But, perhaps most pleasing, the book shows what a strong and deep relationship Benedict had with his predecessor based on respect, admiration and a shared love for the Lord.
Andrew Junker is a staff writer for The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
|
