Everyone has gone Pope-crazy since Il Papa made the trek to the USA last week. His message of peace and of the individual obligation for people to step up and take care of the earth and each other was beamed across the world, loudly and clearly. I was in a chair receiving an IV of medicine for RA and felt fortunate to watch the live coverage, and then re-read the Pope's speech later on. Wisdom and intelligence speaks. He is a true spiritual leader and I have the utmost respect for him. I bet he was always the "cool priest" in his parish -- I used to teach in a Catholic school and there was always a "cool priest" on staff. As a recovering Catholic who loves the descriptor "spiritual but not religious" (whatever that really means in this age of cafeteria-catholics and the blending of many faiths), his words seem to always be on target and can be heard and appreciated by people of all denominations. Go Papa!
Back to the music. I saw a story today that described another creative project by Pope Francis. He is recording an album. Yep, an album. He is collaborating with well known musicians such as Donald Fagan and Pink Floyd to create musical pieces that send his message to a new crowd. What a guy! As I like the messages he sends, and sometimes even feel challenged by them (damn you, Catholic guilt!) the album will be an interesting listen.
The article, from my favorite art blog (Hyperallergic.com) featured several quotes by Francis regarding the album. My favorite hands down is:
The root of this possibility of doing good — that we all have — is in creation.
Everyone has their own way of accessing this thread of connection to everyone else -- for some people is is music, others business ventures, or athletic talent, or even being a cheerful and outgoing person that helps people smile (thinking of the super nice woman who works at the Dunks in Wakefield -- always has a smile and laughs for everyone. Go Tiffany!) Whatever the personal gifts may be, to me this simple quote by Pope Francis endorses using our gifts to make the world a better place. Creation. Motivation to make things in the world that make it a better place. In Wayne Dyer-speak, we create our thoughts which create our life. Could go on forever with this thread! Be it to be more "Godlike" or just help create a kinder, more supportive world for everyone who tries to live in it, the Pope's attention to the act of creation underlines why it is important for people to access their creative sides and bring happiness and art to the world.
What a guy! Might just have to check out his album. Rock on Papa, rock on.
What will you make today?