To Remain United To The Pope, Remain United In Love Of God

Following along the theme in the previous post, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, presided at the celebration of the third Mass of the "novendiali" (nine days of mourning for John Paul II) and gave a beautiful homily.

This extraordinary closeness to God in no way distanced him from us. ... On the contrary, John Paul II was a true man, one who fully savored and appreciated the flavor of life: from the beauty of art, of poetry and of nature, to the vigor of sport, and to the courage of the most difficult decisions... This is the Church that he wanted, and today continues to ask us to be and to live: not a Church closed in on itself, not timid, not disheartened; a Church that burns with the love of Christ, for the salvation of all men and women... [The only way truly to remain with the Pope,] not just in an emotive or superficial way, is to remain - each of us individually, and the whole of the Church of Rome together - in the love of the Lord, the love that nourishes itself with faith and with daily obedience to His will, especially to His commandment: love one another as I have loved you.