Pope Francis’ Trip to the U.S. Can Teach Even Non-religious About Faith

I attended Catholic school for most of my education. Elementary school at Immaculate Conception in East Aurora, NY, and Canisius College in Buffalo. Being a twin, it would have been too hard for my parents to pay for my sister and I to attend a private high school while my eldest sister was in college. Faith in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) have been a part my life since baptism. However, after the recent visit from Pope Francis to the United States, I have been thinking about what non-Christians and even those who don't have a particular religion can learn.

I don't preach faith to others. Nor do I point my fingers at others' sins. That's not my purpose and know that I too am guilty of sin.

The word faith, for me, has always meant the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit came down to earth, suffered and died as a sacrifice to free us from sin. It's my faith that Jesus did rise from death and will come again to judge us. We as Christians believe that following the teaching of Jesus and living our lives according to his message will allow us a place with Him, The Father and Holy Spirit for eternity in a Kingdom that has no end.

Faith Beyond Religion

The Trinity is truly a mystery and is the basis of my faith as a Catholic. But the Pope's visit can open our eyes to faith beyond religion.

Watching  millions of people travel (some thousands of miles) and wait in lines and crowds and be subject to the tedious (albeit necessary) searching and security, was an inspiration.

Yes some of the crowd was there to see Pope Francis for his celebrity status. However, most who made the pilgrimage and showed up early were on hand because of their faith. Faith that The Holy Father was elected (chosen) via divine intervention and is the human link to Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Even for those that don't follow Christ. Even for those who don't give allegiance and praise to Allah or Buddha or Pagan Gods, this had to be an inspiration and lesson in faith.

Faith In Ourselves

In what or whom do we have faith?  God? Spouse? Children? Talents and abilities? What is it in which we rely based on confidence without proof or guarantee?

Sure we all have some simple faiths in our everyday lives. I have faith that Dale and Liz will show up each morning and faith that we will all work hard for a successful show. But the   The Pope's time in the United States can help all of us reflect and inspire us to have a deeper faith in something.

Religious people of any sect make it goal through reflection and prayer to remove doubt and live according to their faith. Pope Francis being here was a great catalyst for anyone religious or not to do the same in their own lives.