You know, there are times I disagree with Gerv's opinion on the technical details of religion. There was even a point where he took me to task for a blog posting I made last year.
But I will say this in Gerv's defense.
No one can accurately call him unaware.
Oh, we could debate scripture until we're blue in the face. The devil can quote scripture, and so can we.
I, for one, am not going to go toe-to-toe with Gervase Markham over what the Bible says. I can tell you, I see a lot of assumptions -- both from Gerv and from those who would attack his statements.
As for the Pope himself:
John Paul II was a brother, at least in spirit, to much of the world. That is truly why this is painful for many of us, because we have in effect lost a brother, a counselor, and a good friend. Someone who can chide us and say, "You're not supposed to be doing that," and whom we listen to.
To put it in less intimate terms, he was the head of a large institution. In that, he is comparable to Queen Elizabeth II. It will be a sad day for many people around the world when the Queen dies. (Yes, I am fully aware Gervase Markham is a subject of the Queen, I believe British. I'm not attacking him on this, I'm just drawing a comparison between two great people who have led for decades. Nor am I referring specifically to replacements for either the Pope or the Queen.)
Yes, I was praying with regards to the late Pope. I made my comment to Gerv in his blog.
All I can say to those who would attack Gervase Markham is this:
"Peace be with you."
(The last line is copyright 1st Century, Anno Domini, I believe.)