World Youth Day Sunday - April 5th

Every year there is a world youth day. This is different from the WYD's that we see hundreds of thousands of youth attending events with the Pope. Each year the Church takes a moment to honor the youth (meaning teens & young adults). This year's theme is centered around Hope. The Holy Father speaks to teens in this theme "We have set our hope on the living God" saying;

"We are all aware of the need for hope, not just any kind of hope, but a firm and reliable hope. ... Youth is a special time of hope because it looks to the future with a whole range of expectations. When we are young we cherish ideals, dreams and plans. Youth is the time when decisive choices concerning the rest of our lives come to fruition. Perhaps this is why it is the time of life when fundamental questions assert themselves strongly. ... These are questions that become insistent when we are faced with obstacles that sometimes seem insurmountable. ... We then ask ourselves: where can I obtain and how can I keep alive the flame of hope burning in my heart?"

He tells us that this hope can not come from the things of this world, from governments, societies or ideas, but it comes from God. As long as we depend on things other than God, we will increase a sense of lonliness, or even dispair. The Pope's response to this was to say "...rediscover the true face of God, Who is Love. To you young people, who are in search of a firm hope, I address the very words that St. Paul wrote to the persecuted Christians in Rome at that time: 'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit'". And even more, he says "...hope is not simply an ideal or sentiment, but a living person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ... If we are not alone, if He is with us, even more, if He is our present and our future, why be afraid?"

How then do we seek after hope he asks?
1. "Make space for prayer in your lives!"
2. "Pray together"
3. "Take part in your parish liturgies"
4. "Be nourished by the Word of God."
5. "Participate in the sacraments."

Once you have this hope!!!

"If Jesus has become your hope, communicate this to others with your joy and your spiritual, apostolic and social engagement. ... Make choices that demonstrate your faith. Show that you understand the risks of idolising money, material goods, career and success, and do not allow yourselves to be attracted by these false illusions. Do not yield to the rationale of selfish interests. Cultivate love of neighbour and try to put yourselves and your human talents and professional abilities at the service of the common good and of truth, always prepared to 'make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you'. True Christians are never sad, even if they have to face trials of various kinds, because the presence of Jesus is the secret of their joy and peace.


WOW!
Mother Mary, who is our model of hope, pray for us that we too might know the source of hope which is your son. Amen!