Thinking about John Paul II on the 3rd anniversary of his death - April 2nd 2008

I couldn't help but tear as I watched
a commemorative program on EWTN yesterday,
showing scenes from John Paul II's life.

Can't believe it's been three years since
he left us for our Father's house.

Truly, he followed the God he loved in
everything. Clutching, loving and
living the cross in his hunched body,
...he became increasingly fragile over the years.
Yet, there was such strength in his weakness.
Strength that the world can not understand.
The strength that can only come from God.

For as Pope Benedict said about John Paul II:

"We can not forget that in his last silent witness of love for Jesus. Even the eloquent scene of human suffering and faith on that last Good Friday, showed believers and the world the secret of the whole Christian life. His "Do not be afraid" was not based on human strength, or about successes, but only on the Word of God on the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ.”

Pope John Paul II’s conformity to Christ lasted until the end of his life, Benedict explained.

"Gradually, he was stripped of everything, down to those last words, his trust in Christ appeared with growing evidence. As it happened to Jesus, it happened with John Paul II to the very end when the words took place of the final sacrifice, the gift of self. And death was the seal of the whole existence given to Christ. [John Paul II] conformed himself to Christ even physically in the case of suffering and the complete confident abandonment in the arms of the Heavenly Father. According to a witness who was nearby, "Let's go to the Father", were his last words to fulfill a life of total striving to know and contemplate the face of the Lord."

Thanks to Salt and Light TV for the clip below :