Papa Benedict’s Lesson for Us This Lent

On Ash Wednesday, in the Gospel of the day, Jesus tells us: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. ” (Mt 6:6 ).

It is not enough to go into our room and pray; we also need to shut the door.

I think these words are especially meaningful in light of the recent abdication of Pope Benedict XVI. As I read secular media’s coverage of the event, I was struck by how completely wrong many journalists were getting it. Not only was there an abundance of examples of media just not getting the facts right, there was also a rationalization and de-spiritualization of what is clearly a spiritually significant event for many people. Attempting to understand anything Catholic, without a spiritual context, leaves much in the Church looking outdated, sexist, hopelessly bureaucratic, and well…