Corporation: thank you.. surely will pray for a good and God-centered Pope!

and in this same spirit, here's a devotional:

Ready for Harvest
by John Fischer

One of the most encouraging things I have observed in the days since the death of Pope John Paul II has been the overwhelming turnout in Rome, and the outpouring of emotion worldwide, among youth. Popes in my lifetime have had a tendency to represent everything ancient, traditional and irrelevant about the church — the farthest thing from being a champion of the young. But John Paul was different. In Time magazine this is represented by a picture that captured three college-aged women in the crowd at the Vatican, caught with tears of emotion on their faces at the official announcement of the pope’s death. These were not rock star tears. It’s obvious that something is touching them at a very deep level.

Some of this, I’m sure, can be attributed to the man. He had a warmth and authenticity about his character that young people were especially drawn to. If anybody can spot a phony, it’s a teenager, and teenagers around the world sensed something real in this man. But I’m sure a large part of this youthful interest is also an indication of the general spiritual hunger residing in the next generation, some of which has been directed towards the pope merely because of the spiritual office he held.

Something is afoot. I haven’t seen this kind of youthful reaction to Christ and spirituality in general since the Jesus movement of the early 1970s. Evangelistic crusades are getting strong youthful support. Christian colleges are turning away students. Films that carry spiritual themes are getting big support at the box office. The Irish rock band, U2, sells out a tour these days in a matter of hours, and this, at a time when lead singer Bono has been most vocal about his faith. It’s no secret anymore that a U2 concert is a worship experience, and this has only enhanced the group’s appeal.

In 1993, on World Youth Day in Denver Colorado, the pope addressed thousands of young people who had gathered from all over the world to hear him. "Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for people like you to send out into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready," he said.

A dozen years later, that harvest is still ready, and it’s not only up to the young to respond. Their response helps authenticate the movement, but it’s up to all of us to take advantage of the moment and fulfill our mission to tell people about the reality of Christ in our lives.

Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest… I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others have already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest. (John 4:35, 38)


John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.




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