In 2002 I had the grand pleasure of celebrating Easter with John Paul II.
It had been a long journey for me, from my first encounter with Pope John II to this Easter Sunday. I had traveled geographically and spiritually to this point in time.
That year Holy Week and spring break coincided. We decided that this was perfect time to visit Rome. We mentioned our plans to a few people and they asked to tag along. A few more people asked to join our group, then a few more. Before we knew it, we were leading a group of 35 pilgrims to Italy. Most were Catholic, but several were Protestants of varying denominations.
After whirlwind trips to Florence, Orvietto, and Assisi, we settled in Rome.
We were fortunate to have received excellent tickets for the Holy Week services. On Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, the services were held inside St. Peter's Basilica. Our seats were located right behind the rows of cardinals and bishops.
It quickly became evident that the pope was not doing well. John Paul II was assisted to a seat near the great altar, but he did not preside over the services. Each evening we would leave St. Peter's contemplating the services and the state of the pope's health. We wondered if he would make it to another Easter.
Easter Sunday dawned bright, clear, and warm. We traveled to St. Peter's Square where the outdoor Easter Mass would be celebrated. We joined tens of thousands of people gathering in the Square, around the Square, and all the way to the Tiber River. Fortunately for us our seats were near the front where we could easily see the altar.
During the processional Pope John Paul II rode in a seat. His frail form was easy to spot. For the first time that week he had color in his cheeks. He raised is hand, blessing the crowd. The crowd surged toward him.
That Easter Sunday people from around the world gathered and celebrated. Many of us didn't speak the same earthly language. We did share another language, a language of love and peace. We share the language of joy and celebration. The celebration encompassed the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, but also another life.
Thousands, Catholics and non-Catholics, rejoiced that Pope John Paul was able to lead us in prayer that day. He served as an example of the suffering servant who even in his frailty sought to reach out to us. As we exchanged the sign of peace that day it was with a knowledge that we are not limited by our own perceptions of who we are. We should not limit others by outward appearance. We each have unique gifts to bring to the common table of life.
