Tomorrow’s Palm Sunday ushers in the start of the Holy Week but Catholics all around the globe, especially the young, have more to celebrate: for April 1 is also this year’s World Youth Day (WYD).
In his message to the Catholic youth for the 27th WYD, Pope Benedict XVI called on the young to recognize “real” joy in the simplest events of their daily lives.
“Each day is filled with countless simple joys which are the Lord's gift: the joy of living, the joy of seeing nature's beauty, the joy of a job well done, the joy of helping others, the joy of sincere and pure love,” the Pope said.
He warned the youth to be cautious against the temptations that lead us away from experiencing real joy like material possession and societal affirmation.
“Our present-day culture often pressures us to seek immediate goals, achievements and pleasures,” he said. “It fosters fickleness more than perseverance, hard work and fidelity to commitments. The messages it sends push a consumerist mentality and promise false happiness. Experience teaches us that possessions do not ensure happiness. How many people are surrounded by material possessions yet their lives are filled with despair, sadness and emptiness!”
The Holy Father added that whatever brings us true joy, whether the small joys of each day or the greatest joys in life, “has its source in God, even if this does not seem immediately obvious.”
“This is because God is a communion of eternal love, he is infinite joy that does not remain closed in on itself, but expands to embrace all whom God loves and who love him. God created us in his image out of love, in order to shower his love upon us and to fill us with his presence and grace,” he added.
Relating his WYD message with the incoming Holy Week, the Supreme Pontiff said God’s love for his people is fully seen in Jesus Christ, who has given up His life to offer his friends and enemies the joy of salvation.
“Dear friends,” the Pope said, “learn to see how God is working in your lives and discover him hidden within the events of daily life. Believe that he is always faithful to the covenant, which he made with you on the day of your Baptism.”
“Know that God will never abandon you. Turn your eyes to him often. He gave his life for you on the cross because he loves you. Contemplation of this great love brings a hope and joy to our hearts that nothing can destroy. Christians can never be sad, for they have met Christ, who gave his life for them,” he added.
The Holy Father also called on the young to “show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring.”
"Christianity is sometimes depicted as a way of life that stifles our freedom and goes against our desires for happiness and joy. But this is far from the truth. Christians are men and women who are truly happy because they know that they are not alone. They know that God is always holding them in his hands,” he said.
“It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring. If the way Christians live at times appears dull and boring, you should be the first to show the joyful and happy side of faith. The Gospel is the ‘good news’ that God loves us and that each of us is important to him. Show the world that this is true,” he added.
The WYD has been an annual gathering of Catholic youth since the late Pope John Paul II initiated it in 1985. It is celebrated at the diocesan level annually, as this year, or at a week-long international level every two to three years at different locations.
Aside from the Vatican City, at least ten countries have already hosted the international celebration of WYD, with Spain having to host it twice at Santiago de Compostela in 1989 and Madrid in 2011.
Last year’s WYD was held in Madrid, Spain and the one slated for next year will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 23 to 28, 2013. (YouthPinoy)
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