AFTER THE applause comes calm reflection. WHY do so many people feel so uplifted by Pope John Paul's presence?
If there is one reason above all, it is surely this : through prayer and an active life of service to others, he has become a communicator of God's loving presence.
To what extent is it possible for the vast majority of people, who are non-Christian, also to receive and communicate God's loving presence?
This is a question needing much consideration by the newly established Pontifical Council for Culture Catholic Herald, 4 June.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christ taught that charity should extend beyond the confines of a person's own religion to meet the needs of the outsider.
To promote this Christian charity, we need to recognize that the divine presence is given to — and accepted by — a vast multitude of people, who are non-Christian.
Gerald Meteau Worthing, Sussex.