[Alamo-Girl]

If that is the sum of it, then I am disappointed with the response as I would be for such a response from any Christian authority faced with a similar appeal from a terminal member of his assembly, particularly one praising his own accomplishments in the letter.

IMHO, a dying person who sends such a letter probably is not yet at peace, needs assurance of Who Christ IS or perhaps what he must do to prepare for his own graduation into the next life. Something like this maybe:

Be assured that you have my love. Truly, there is nothing you could say or do that would ever make me stop loving you. And I’m only human. God’s love for you is perfect.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

The above is an assurance and also an exhortation for all of us.

As you prepare for the next step in your journey as a Christian, I urge you to contemplate the meaning of this, that in every moment – in everything you did in this life, in everything you said and in everything you thought – Christ was always there as He will always be there in your next life. Nothing is hidden from Him.

If that truth shames you, troubles you or causes resentment, then I urge you to deal with it in the here and now; pour it out to Him in prayer and/or counsel with your local priest, pastor, spouse or friend. Don’t put it off, for we all must prepare to see ourselves as we truly are and only He knows.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. – I Corinthians 13:12

God’s Name is I AM.

[xzins]

The Pope’s response to Kennedy is thought provoking.

1. It is not written by the Pope, but is instead written by an underling.

2. It is a form letter. You can imagine zillions of these things going out with the addressee being the only change.

If a parishoner empties their heart to me in a letter, and I get someone else to reply, that is an effort to get some degree of separation from that person.

If my response is “Dear ________(fill in blank), So sorry. Pastor’s sorry for you. Get Better. Signed (electronically) The Pastor’s Main Man.

The Pope dissed Teddy.