Nelson Mandela

The life of Nelson Mandela is a gift to us all.  As a Roman Catholic clergy friend remarked, "If Mandela was a Roman Catholic, the Vatican would be moving to sanctify him already."  Of course, Mandela would refuse such treatment, but his life and its lessons give those of us who claim to be people of faith much to ponder.  He left Robben Island prison after 27 years of captivity without bitterness.  He invited the jailers who held him captive to his inauguration as president and gave them seats of honor.  He helped to establish the truth and reconciliation process in that racially divided and frightened country and saved the citizens from a bloodbath of recrimination. He left the office of president after one term so that democracy would have the chance to take a solid foothold in South Africa. 
Surely not a perfect man,Mandela demonstrated for all to see the power  of integrity, idealism, hope, and wisdom.  How painful it is to compare this man to the leaders of today who are petty, vain, self serving, and vengeful.    Why do we fail to recognize that doing the "right" thing and living faithfully is the way to make lasting change happen.  I thank God for this man.