Papal Visit: A Foretaste of Eternity

For many if not all who saw Pope Francis in person, an experience of eternity is felt. It was an experience of the countless, immeasurable and endless.

In Tacloban for example, nobody bothered to count the lengthy time of standing or sitting or lying down under the rain while waiting for the Pope. The numerical signal of the typhoon meant nothing for many.

Although nursing mothers must be conscious of the time when to feed their baby, the tight security of not allowing milk containers for babies inside the venue did not hinder them in carrying their babies despite the long hours of stay in the vicinity. The small baon prepared beforehand, the raincoat and a bottle of water which was distributed for free were already enough.

Neither the degree of cold nor pressure of strong winds was able to disperse the flock so eager to see the Vicar of Christ on earth. No thermometer or barometer can divert the excitement to see the Bishop of Rome. Children, young and old felt like in heaven even in just watching the Pope on screen arriving before landing.

The seeming unlimited number of people, mostly Filipinos and a few foreigners point to the fact that we are all God’s children. No boundary of nation not even color of skin can separate us from one another. The presence, voice, gesture and words of Pope Francis satisfied everyone.

There were not only unlimited texts and calls or taking of pictures and videos but also immeasurable joy that cannot be explained from deep within. The hundreds of thousands of crowd who walked for more than ten kilometers amidst the typhoon, did not mind the distance.

No number, no measure, no end can describe the experience of God’s grace with Pope Francis. Indeed, his visit was a foretaste of eternity.