Papa Benedict XVI, the Juggler

If there has ever been a master juggler of a Pope, Papa Benedict XVI is It. Think about how many fiery hot rings he has been given to juggle--all at the same time! And not one of these can be dropped without serious spiritual and historical repercussions. At times it seems Pope Benedict is juggling the entire future of world history in his hands, as he attempts to:

1. Restore the liturgy
2. Inspire and train youth to follow Jesus Christ
   
3. Continue dialogue with the Orthodox, especially to build up a Christian defense against Secularism that is responsible for the death of Christian culture in western countries
   
4. Integrate the Chinese Patriotic Church without offending the long-time loyal Underground Church in China
5. Resolve the irregular situation of the Society of St. Pius X
6. Clean the Vatican house of insubordination
   
7. Deal with the sexual scandals caused by priests
8. Strengthen the hierarchy with firmly Catholic bishops
9. Halt the progress of militant Islam
10. Welcome traditionalists of other churches that oppose women priests and homosexuality
    
11. Affirm and promote the Church's positions on a multitude of important religious and social issues
12. Write a new (third) encyclical that will be issued this fall

I believe that if anyone on earth needs our prayers at this time, it is 82-year old Papa Benedict XVI. I don't see how he can avoid dropping one of these heavy, hot rings unless he receives the benefit of your many prayers.