“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lampstand where it shines for all in the house. In the same way your light must shine, . . . so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16
Join the Young Adult group for a Camping Trip at the end of August!
Young Adult Camping Trip – Aug 27-29 2011
Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives, if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? . . . No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation. And so, today, with great strength and great conviction, on the basis of long personal experience of life, I say to you, dear young people: Do not be afraid of Christ! He takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ – and you will find true life. Amen.
-Pope Benedict XVI
Prayer
Gracious and Loving God,
Help these young men and women to be a light for all the world to see,
in all the places they live and work.
Let their light shine for all peoples:
for their families,
for their church communities,
for their cultures and societies,
for the economic and political systems,
for the whole world.
Coming into the room where the disciples were gathered after the resurrection,
“Jesus, your son, said: Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:21).
Make these men and women bearers of Christ’s peace.
Teach them the meaning of what was said on the mountain:
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons and daughters of God” (cf. Mt 5:9).
Send them, Father, as you sent your son:
to free their brothers and sisters from fear and sin.
We ask this of you, in Christ’s name. Amen.
- Adapted from the Papal Homily for WYD 1995, Manila