And on each occasion, the papal master of ceremonies would fall to his knees before the Pope, holding a torch of burning flax—the flowering plant from which we make linen.
As the flax burned away, the Papal MC would say in a loud and mournful voice, "Pater Sancte, sic transit gloria mundi!" "Holy Father, thus passes the glory of the world!"
That phrase, sic transit gloria mundi seems to be borrowed from Thomas of Kempis’ great spiritual work, The Imitation of Christ , which states “O quam cito transit gloria mundi”—oh how quickly passes the glory of the world.
These words, addressed to the Pope, served as a reminder of the finite nature of earthly life and honors—how quickly his pontificate would end, and he would face his Lord and judge. The task of the Christian, from the Pope down to the smallest child is to live, not for earthly honors, but for greatness in the kingdom of heaven.
The last Pope to have witnessed this ceremony by the way, is the Pope whose feast day is today, Pope Paul Paul VI, who was canonized just six years ago in 2018.
I bring up this, now abrogated ritual, because it’s roots seems to stem from sentiments not simply from Thomas of Kempis but both of our readings today.
St. Peter in his first new testament epistle reminds the Church to value not the perishable things like silver or gold—and silver and gold can last for a really long time—but in the end—they turn to dust. And they do not contain what is truly life giving. Rather, we are to find our life in the blood of Christ and the imperishable Word of God.
In the Gospel today, two of the apostles are arguing about greatness in the kingdom of heaven. And we get the impression that they are thinking in terms of worldly greatness—they want thrones and crowns and notoriety and power. But the Lord Jesus teaches them, again that greatness in the kingdom of heaven comes from uniting one’s life to God in imitation of the self-sacrifice he will offer to the Father for the salvation of the world.
Greatness comes from one’s share in the chalice of Christ’s crucifixion—his obediential suffering—his self-donation out of love for humanity.
Now of course, part of that path to heavenly greatness is to cultivate our minds and hearts and abilities. But as Christians, all that we have, and all that we are, and all that we have yet to become, are to be put in God’s service—not for worldly, but heavenly glory.
May each of us share in the chalice of Christ to the extent that it is offered to us by God—making use of the opportunities God gives us to be faithful in his service for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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That Christians may respond generously to the perpetual call to holiness through prayer, fasting, and works of charity.
For our young people beginning summer vacation, that they may be kept safe from the errors of our culture and kept in close friendship with Jesus through prayer and acts of mercy.
That during this month of May, all people may turn their hearts to the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeking her aid and imploring her intercession with increased and fervent devotion, imitating her example of Faith, Hope, and Love.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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