[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so very much for your encouragements! I do look forward to your insightful posts - and will go to the other thread right after this reply.

I also think Pope Benedict XVI has a brilliant mind,an awesome holiness and true humility. Truly a follower and imitator of Christ.

I strongly agree, Pope Benedict clearly is blessed of God. It was quite evident in his first encyclical, and the subject he chose (which I understand sets the theme of his papacy) which was love. Love is also my top priority: first to love God absolutely and as a distant second to love my neighbors unconditionally (to paraphrase from Matt 22).

I read a book about his life and theological upbringing which was published shortly after he became Pope. The name of the book escapes me but I do recall assurances that he would not likely ever waffle on the difficult theological or moral issues. Also, I am sure that his position is according to God's will for the Roman Catholic community of believers and for those with whom he will have contact during his papacy.

[saradippity]

Love is also my top priority also:first to love God absolutely-------.

You cannot say that loud enough or often enough as far as I am concerned. I am so grateful for our relatively new Bishop of Phoenix,Bishop Thomas Olmsted. He continually emphasizes the First Commandment and that all good things flow from putting the love of God first.