S&F-Be Proud to be Chosen by God

I have always tried to keep my faith close to my heart.  I may write these "Shephard and Friend" posts, but even in them I try to tone it down and not push my beliefs on others.  I silently pray the Rosary sometimes at work or quietly thank God over my lunch.  I tone down my beliefs in order to not make others uncomfortable.

We have a new Pope.  I have discovered that part of having a new Pope is to learn what might be different in the way the new Pope will deal with situations and what he might concentrate on from the last Pope.

I heard a story this week about how Pope Francis and Pope Leo handled their initial meeting with the press.  After meeting with the press Pope Francis did not bless the people in attendance. Instead he choose to tell them because some of them were not Christian he wanted to respect and allow for different beliefs so he would not bless them, but he would pray for them.   On the other hand, Pope Leo chose to stick to tradition and ended this meeting with a blessing for all in attendance.

Both methods of dealing with the press have their pluses and minuses.  I think it is important to be respectful of people and their beliefs, but not at the expense of holding your personal feelings inside.  Pope Leo made sure that everyone knew he was going to evangelize during his Papacy.  Afterall, the only true way to the Kingdom of God is through Jesus and his Church.  So why should the Church's leader not proclaim that fact by blessing everyone?

I think I need to be proud of my faith.  I think I need to not be afraid to offend someone by making the Sign of the Cross over my lunch.  I think I need to not worry about making someone uncomfortable if they hear me praying the rosary.

Jesus has chose me.  Just like Jesus choose Pope Leo.  I am as much a Catholic as him.  I should use him as an example, and proudly proclaim my love and faith in Jesus and God.