"Be Not Afraid!"

"I seem to see his smiling eyes and listen to his words, addressed to me especially at this moment: 'Do not be afraid.' " Pope Benedict XVI

Fr. John McCloskey writes a terrific article on John Paul II and the Culture of Life in the current issue of Celebrate Life, published by the American Life League. You can see the article on Fr. McCloskey's website McCloskey's Perspectives.

McCloskey writes:

The worldwide reaction to John Paul's final illness, death and funeral is unprecedented in time. Literally millions traveled to Rome, many who had no lodgings stood for long hours in lines that crept past the pope's body in St. Peter's Basilica, and attended his packed funeral in St. Peter's Square. Billions more turned to television, radio, the press and the internet to be united with this event. All of this took place in a world where only one in six people are Catholic. How can such an overwhelming testimony to the champion of life coexist with widespread contradiction? In the richest countries, babies are being aborted by the millions, other millions are dying of AIDS due to unnatural sexual promiscuity, epidemic levels of venereal disease plague developed nations, birth rates are below population replacement needs in much of the West, and many nations are pursuing for same-sex partners (with increasing success) a right to marry and adopt children. So what moved the inhabitants of such a world to honor the chief warrior against the Culture of Death?

We mourned this Vicar of Christ because holiness is irresistible. ... Almost everyone recognized sanctity in John Paul II, even if they did not share his faith. Only those with graceless souls or loveless hearts could fail to appreciate the super generous gift from God that was Karol Wojtyla. Yes, even the envious recognize him as the greatest man of our time, knowing that his legacy will be carried out long after the last of us who knew him has gone to judgment and received eternal reward or punishment.

'Nuff said.

(While you're there, check out some of the other great articles Fr. McCloskey has -- I particulary recommend "The Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People".)