What the Pope said in that sentence is a summation of the difference in views between the traditional religions and the more esoteric approach to spirituality which I teach and believe. I respect fully the right of everyone to their views on any matter, as I do the Pope and his followers, and many people have many opinions about God, and God's role: while I might challenge them sometimes, I appreciate always the opportunity these other views give for me to test my own knowing, to see if it is wanting, for I am the first to admit I may be wrong.
The words of Pope Benedict, "it seemed at times as if The Lord was sleeping" affected me like an electric shock when I heard them, for it seemed such an injustice to God. He was talking about the problems he had encountered as leader of the Catholic Church, as if he were surprised God had not resolved the difficulties for him. I have heard similar statements and expectations from many quarters, those who blame God when there is bad weather, a bad harvest, a loss of life, those who threaten the displeasure of God for bad behaviour, those who accuse God when they are in financial difficulty or other hardship. God can be a very convenient scapegoat sometimes.
I have pondered the Pope's statement much today, for it is so fundamental to human and spiritual truth, and I see it as an unintended reminder of our limitations of knowledge and understanding of what it means to be human, and why we are here on Earth. It is no coincidence, for example, that Pope Benedict assumed the papacy when he did, as he did, and with all its problems and abuses coming to light, for it was his choice and his opportunity to confront the darkness within his Church and to heal it, and thereby his own soul. Only he could do so, not God, for God's role, for this reality, is to give the Pope, and you, and me, total freedom to decide our path, and to love us unconditionally as we make our mistakes and learn and grow from them. The Pope will discover how far his mission on Earth has been successful, one day.
God was not sleeping as events developed, for God, the Universal Mind, the Sea of Light and Love, knows everything. God watched with love and watches still, smiling at our human frailties and applauding our success. God guides and supports, but never interferes, and our mistakes and challenges, including those of the Pope who has carried great burdens, are our greatest blessings for they lead to huge spiritual progress. That is why human life on Earth is admired, respected and envied throughout the cosmos where this freedom to choose and evolve is not elsewhere granted. This is the Plan of God, and it is such an honour to be a part of it, whether as a Pope or a pauper, for in the end, we are all the same - overshadowed by God's love, which means everything.
Claire Montanaro is a spiritual teacher, channel and blogger with special interest in esoteric philosophy and the world in transition. Loves nature and wildlife. Author of “Spiritual Wisdom”, in which the role and nature of God is discussed extensively.
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surely its never Gods fault but mans responsibility for all that occurs here on earth...blaming god for the weather is funny when it is just a reflection of the imbalance on the planet. We have to experience the good bad and ugly in order to grow so every experience is neccessary as i have found. Its very easy to judge when you are "on the outside".....
Thank you, Sat Kartar. I so agree with you.
Great radio interview Claire and response about religion, the pope and god. In 2013 I can't believe (not judging of course!) that many still think of God as a man somewhere above looking after the righteous! instead of being the divine universal energies that are within us and around us. We all have the power to change the world by starting with ourselves!
As you rightly say we require independence of thought and not to be judged by it. I think the fear is the unravelling of secrets and more secrets to come!
Thank you, Sandra, for your wise observations.