john_paul_II@heaven.com
....got it!
Dear Friend in Christ:
On October 16, 1978, Pope John Paul II began his papacy with the words, “Be not afraid!” By choosing these words as the theme for his papacy, he challenged all believers to take the gospel of Jesus into the modern world—a challenge he would repeat over and over again. And while everyone expected a pope to challenge his people, little did the world know how determined John Paul was to set the pace by fulfilling this challenge himself! The papacy of Pope John Paul II was an amazing journey of undying faith, undimmed hope, and boundless love. By trusting in God’s grace, he devoted all of his time and energy not only to teaching and evangelizing but also to being an international statesman—and to being a man of intense prayer.
He Won the Race
Whatever people may say about Pope John Paul II, everyone would agree that he lived what he preached. He courageously blazed one trail after another—a trail of love, of reconciliation, of ecumenism, and of hope—all of them grounded in the promise of the gospel. Now, the race is finished. Karol Wojtyla has fought the good fight and won the race. He has seized the prize of eternal life with God. We can just imagine the Father in heaven saying to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Luke 19:17). And we can just as easily imagine the pope replying, “I am an unworthy servant. I have only done my duty” (17:10).