The niece of a very good friend of mine was murdered many years ago in Mobile. At her funeral, her mother got up and told the kids who were there that they would probably hear someone say that it was God's Will that Katherine had died. Joanne said that she did not believe that. She believe her daughter was dead because of the murderer's will, which was against the Will of God.
The Pope was dying, there was nothing that was going to change that, if left to the natural cycle of life. The only thing that would have kept him alive would have been artificial means, and the Church has never taught that they are required to be employed for someone near death.
Your example is on point. People throw around the God's Will all the time.
Why did you quit your job? (God's Will)
Why did you end your marraige? (God's Will)
Why don't you get off your ass and make something of your life? (I'm waiting for God to tell me what to do)
Why did you break up with me? (God doesn't want me to marry you)
It's all a bunch of hooey. Ala Almighty Bruce, you know, BE the miracle.
SuziQ, ITA with your post. It’s basically what I meant but I obviously didn’t get that across well.
mbraynard, I don’t think I was sticking up for anyone. I haven’t read all the posts in this thread and commented on those that caught my attention. I don’t consider the Pope’s death and Terri Schiavo’s death the same at all.