Pope Francis continues to WOW people with his example of Christian faith, and his moving display of love and mercy.  Indeed, today's  Gospel reading has Jesus telling the story of the Good Samaritan to a young Jewish lawyer. He tells the lawyer, if you want to inherit eternal life........not only  follow the Golden Rule, but, ......show mercy.  (My words).

It seems that Pope Francis might well be in Dublin in 2018 for what is called the "Festival of Families".  This Festival was also an event that he attended in Philadelphia.I would be curious to know what preparations Pope Francis will make to go to Dublin.  For example, does he make any effort to address outstanding issues.....like meeting with victims of abuse, or repairing Rome's relationship with silenced and shunned Irish Roman Catholic Clergy. First and foremost, Pope Francis is a Disciple of Christ, and he ought to go where the Lord is summoning him.  Pope Francis is in a class of his own and the Lord uses him to bring healing, a healing that comes through love and mercy. Therefore, let us hope that we see this love and mercy directed to the Irish Catholic Church and her people.

I am well aware that Pope Francis does not endorse all that I would encourage....like overturning the notion that God did not, does not, and will not call women to preach, teach, and sanctify...but....I continually pray for and lobby for...such a change...and I believe....Pope Francis is still a work in progress...and his papacy is still a work in progress!