Whether you are Catholic or not, you probably heard about
the canonization of Pope John XXIII, and Pope John Paul II…or you may have seen
the full spectacle, officiated by Pope Francis…500,000 present in the square, 300,000
more watching televisions set up by the Vatican…not to mention all those who
tuned in around the world, as I did.
When this early morning event was over, a rerun of “Mad Men”
was about to begin. I had not seen this episode “The Fog”, so decided to tune
in.
A particular scene drew my attention.
The sixties distanced men from their wives during childbirth
sending them to a waiting room, unable to witness the birth of the life they
had helped to create. In this episode
Don Draper, a 3rd time father to be, meets Dennis, a 1st
time father to be. The newbie opened up conversation about his nervousness at
being a father. He learns that his baby is breach, and worries about his wife,
and whether he could love this baby if his wife died during childbirth. As a
prison guard at “Sing Sing” prison, Dennis recounts that everyone was a baby
once, and all prisoners blame their mom and dad for their problems. They both
agree that is an excuse.
As Dennis learns that his wife and son are doing fine, he
points above, tells Don that he doesn't know what’s up there, but that his son
will make him a better man. Don, illicits no response. Dennis continues,“Tell me you heard me”. Don replies
“I heard you”.
Pope Francis has received a lot of criticism for placing
these two popes on a fast track to sainthood. Well deserved, or not, I believe
he wants the world to see that saints are not buried so far in the past that
the ordinary man cannot identify. His upcoming “Synod on the Family”, may be a
call to discover the saint within.
English dictionaries
describe “mad” as “being carried away by enthusiasm or desire”. Hmm…saints and
mad men walking along the same path.
Tell me you heard me.
