I am writing on the day that Pope Francis passed away. I am sure many people wonder why this event of the death of the head of the Catholic Church is in the news and the regular press. He served in this office and has represented the structure and moral standards that the Church brings to individual lives.

For Francis himself, he was a Pope of mercy and for the poor. He would challenge governments on immigration and speak for those who were outcasts, either by lifestyle or economics. He saw humans as a work in progress. He called people not to judge others but to extend acceptance and love to all we meet. One of the most potent ways he taught was his embrace of other Christian denominations and all who hold moral standards in other creeds. He saw all of us on a journey, and with compassion and care, he saw that human beings could help one another.

It has been 500 years since the Reformation. This event split Christianity into so many different voices and pathways to Jesus. What is sad is that many of these various Christian denominations often see others in Christianity as enemies of their Church. Frequently, they see that their way to heaven is an exclusive path. Disagreements, mostly in theology and interpretation of some fundamentals, make dialogue difficult. In addition to this complication, our secular world invites people to be singular and walk a path about their wants and desires. A secular lifestyle is often opposed to Christian values.

As the culture develops with a heavy emphasis on technology and social media, the individual seems lost in the possibilities that feed wants and desires. The Church stands out as a culture of moral and individual consolation from a loving God. Religion is not just a building or a church, but a pool of compassion and direction. Religion is a way of life. I realize many take their religion as something they do on Sunday, for an hour. But Christianity is a call to community. Jesus leaves us two commandments: love God and love your neighbor; these are not suggestions; these are COMMANDS.

Christians, especially in these secular times, should find that we have a standard set of values that should unite us, not hold us apart. I often find that there are denominational differences, often in external things, as whether the church itself has statues or is very plain; these are cosmetic differences. The décor of Church’s does not change the charge that Jesus left us with. To be a beacon of hope, forgiveness, and love to those around us is the same. To be a pathway to a life of service and joy for our lives and community. To be a light when there is darkness in our lives. We must see that we are striving for this, and

together we are stronger and more effective, seeing that others are with us. Welcome them into our ranks, and see what unites, not what draws us apart.

I saw a clip of the New Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris while watching the news the other night. The Church had been burned, refurbished, and restored to its Gothic beauty. This Easter Sunday was the first celebration in the new cathedral. It was standing room only. The Church seems to have an influx of new attendees, Baptisms, and those wanting to join. But France is not alone, and there appears to be a groundswell in Church participation around the globe. Why would this be? The secular lack of values, or movable ideals that fit the situation, allows for a slippery moral slope. It could be that the concept of death as an end to our person could also be a factor. For the Christian, death is not an end but a transition to love itself in heaven–a far more welcoming reality as opposed to earthly extinction. God loves us. I think what people are seeking is love, consolation, and belonging. Our lives matter, and we can grow by helping others. Discipline, forgiveness, and joy make our lives challenging and worth living.

Christians should seek to unite, forget the inconsequential things that keep us apart, and, according to Jesus’ commands, live a life of helping one another to bring about the joy and love that Jesus gave us in Church. We must see what brings us together, not what keeps us in our own box. Let your united light shine in a world that needs your brightness, joy, and grace.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)