The Somnambulant Blogger

Is it really possible to function on four hours of sleep each night? I'm beginning to think that it is. Here I am wide awake at 12:30 a.m. once again in front of the computer and worried because I haven't updated my blog in a few days. Interesting blogs about Pope John Paul II abound in cyberspace. There are a lot of very intelligent people in the universe and a great number of prejudiced or judgmental ones, as well. Many believe, including those of other denominations, that Pope John Paul II was a great man, leader, and visionary. Many Catholics, unfortunately, only look at his stance on abortion, birth control, and homosexuality and say that he was too dogmatic, too conservative, and wonder when priests are going to be allowed to marry or when women can become priests. Why aren't they looking at the 2000+ years of history of the Catholic Church and the many progressive stances that the Pope took against war, economic injustice, relief for third world countries, stances against the death penalty, forgiveness (HE FORGAVE THE MAN WHO SHOT HIM!), his stance against oppression (Was that sound I heard the iron curtain crumbling?), and his courage to stand by his convictions? He realized that the Church was bigger than him, more stalwart than any of us. He embodied the direction that Christ gave His disciples. He was like Peter in that he was rock solid in his devotion to Jesus and helped prepare the way for the future (Second Vatican Council). Pope John Paul II showed us how to live and in the last days, he showed us the courage in how to die. His funeral will be on Friday and this part of the Easter journey will be complete. He will rise again, not to be seen like Jesus, but he will see Jesus in glory. For we are "the Easter people" as he called us and we shall sing "Hallelujah" in his praise for he will always be with us in our hearts. Peace be with Pope John Paul II and also with us.