The Real Thing

Most Americans were touched in some way by the visit of Pope Francis to our nation’s capital, the Big Apple, and the City of Brotherly Love (aka Philadelphia). Many people in those three cities are breathing a sigh of relief that the visit went well – no riots, no out-of-control protests, no major embarrassment to their cities. But many more are still basking in the afterglow of the pontiff’s presence. What kind of man rejects the luxury of a limo for the confines of a little black Fiat? Who skips lunch with people of power to eat at St. Maria’s Meals, a food program for the homeless? Apparently a man who has taken on the name of Francis of Assisi, a man of poverty, a man of peace, and a man who loves and protects creation.

What more can be said about the Pope’s visit to the United States? Columnist Kathleen Parker wrote of her personal response: “It was magical. Palliative. Heavenly. For a few hours, I felt un-cynical. I wanted to be a better person and say nice things about Donald Trump. I wanted to invite strangers into my home, wash their feet, and feed them fishes and loaves.”

Pope Francis, the best known religious leader of our times, is on the world’s stage. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he offers a remarkable voice to the world’s conversations not just because of his position, but also because he is recognized as someone who lives out his own beliefs. Yet his voice is not alone. The faith-informed presence that he brings to us is replicated in men and women of conviction who speak truth to power and who inspire us to be better people.

Here in Ashland, we too have those who stand tall for peace, who call us to spiritual truths, and who “walk the walk and talk the talk.” Two in particular come to mind this week. The first, Dr. Luke Keefer, departed this world for the next in 2010, but he is being remembered this weekend at an event at Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary created to honor his life and extend his influence.

Instead of focusing on testimonials to Dr. Keefer’s life and work, the conveners are committed to a living legacy. Thus, Shane Claiborne will speak this morning at 9 a.m. on the topic of “Tearing Down the Walls,” encouraging the Body of Christ to be alive in the world around them [free admission – walk-ins welcome at AU’s Upper Convo]. Claiborne has been involved in the development of The Simple Way, an intentional faith community in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. What better way to honor a man who blessed and inspired many “by his genuine and gentle example,” as Dr. John Swope remembers, than to explore new ways of living a faithful life.

A second person of influence is retired ATS professor Dr. Jerry Flora. In his newly released book, “Into Your Hands: Memoir and Witness,” Flora’s essays remind us of ourselves, of our childhood catastrophes and cherished memories, of our moments of unpredicted terror and great joy, and of decisive life moments that change us forever. Images of seven ducklings at Brookside Park, uninterrupted green traffic lights, and a preemptive strike to the jaw of a bully allow Flora to weave everyday experiences into the fabric of faith and life. Leaning on the windowsill of heaven, he speaks of prayerful living, empathetic listening, and a persistent concern for peace among all peoples. Might there be an echo of the Francis of today and of history?

Why these three? In the early 1970s, Viet Nam, Watergate, and Attica flooded our television screens with images of hatred and pain. An enterprising advertising campaign suggested an alternative world, a renewed America, ending with the tag line, “It’s the real thing – Coke is.” I don’t know about sugary brown soft drinks, but Pope Francis, Luke Keefer, and Jerry Flora are “the real thing.” Through painful sensitivity and persistent obedience, they have lived whole and holy lives. That’s why we are drawn to Francis, to Luke and to Jerry. Their lives truly teach the world to sing in perfect – and peaceful – harmony.