In a statement on Sunday, the UN World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the pope advised drivers:
“Dear brothers and sisters, I implore everyone—drivers, passengers and pedestrians—to listen carefully to the words of St. Paul in today’s Liturgy of the Word: ‘Let us be awake and sober. Our behavior on the road must be characterized by responsibility, attention and respect for others. May the Virgin Mary guide us securely along the roads and highways of the world.”
Truly, it is important that we remember all those that have been tragically killed in car accidents. However, in reading his words, I couldn’t help thinking of this Mike Peters’ cartoon:
“Responsibility, attention and respect for others”—those were Pope Benedict’s words on ideal characteristics of drivers. And although the acts of driving and sex cannot be equated, these qualities could also certainly characterize healthy and sex-positive relationships. In getting on the road or getting into bed, there is risk involved no matter how safe and responsible you are. However, in terms of driving, the pope says, “Go forth cautiously” and in terms of sex, the pope says, “Don’t go forth…or, at least, wait.”
Pope Benedict’s position on sex will probably not change anytime soon. As a chaste man, he doesn’t really have a good grasp on what it means to be in sexual relationship. Although, with Pope Benedict being chauffeured around in his Pope Mobile these days, he probably also doesn’t know what it means to be a good driver. Nevertheless, he was able to have a much more reasonable outlook on driving than he is likely to have on sex.
