Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for World Youth Day 2011 XXVI Dear friends, I often think back to
World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. There we had a great celebration of faith, during which the Spirit of God has acted forcefully, creating an intense communion between the participants who came from all over the world. That meeting, like its predecessors, brought forth abundant fruit in the lives of many young people and the whole Church. Now our attention turns to the next World Youth Day, to be held in Madrid in August 2011. Already in 1989, a few months before the historic fall of the Berlin Wall, the pilgrimage of young people made a stop in Spain, to Santiago de Compostela. Now, at a time when Europe has a great need to rediscover its Christian roots, we arranged to meet in Madrid, with the theme: "Rooted and grounded in Christ, in the faith" (cf. Col 2:7). I invite you to this important event for the Church in Europe and for the universal Church. And I wish that all young people, both those who share our faith in Jesus Christ and those who hesitate or are doubtful they do not believe in him, could live this experience, which can be decisive for life: the experience of the Risen Lord Jesus and live and love for each of us.
1. At the source of your greatest aspirations
In every age, even today, many young people feel a deep desire that relations between people have lived in truth and solidarity. Many express the desire to build authentic relationships of friendship, to know true love, to start a family together, to achieve a stable personal and real security, which can ensure a peaceful and happy future. Of course, remembering my youth, I know that stability and security are not issues that hold the minds of young people. Yes, the question of employment and thereby to have a safe ground under our feet is a large and pressing problem, but at the same time, the youth remains the age at which you are looking for greater life. If I think of my years then: just did not want to lose a normal feature of bourgeois life. We wanted what is great, again. We wanted to find life itself in its vastness and beauty. Of course, this also depended on our situation. During the Nazi dictatorship and the war we were, so to speak, "locked up" by the dominant power. So, we wanted to go outdoors to get in amplitude of the possibilities of being human. But I think, in a sense, this impulse to go beyond the usual there is in every generation. It's part of being young wanting something more than the regular daily use of a safe and feel the desire for what is really great. This is just an empty dream that fades away when we become adults? No man is truly created for what is great, for the infinite. Anything else is insufficient. St. Augustine was right: our hearts are restless until they rest in you. The greatest desire in life is a sign that He created us, who brought his "footprint". God is life, and so each creature tends to life in a unique and special about the human person, made in the image of God, aspire to love, joy and peace. Then we understand that is a contradiction to claim to eliminate God in order to live man! God is the source of life, to cancel it is equivalent to separate from this source and, inevitably, to be deprived of the fullness and joy, "the creature would disappear without the Creator" (with. Ecumenical Council, Gaudium et Spes , 36). The present culture in some areas of the world, especially in the West, tends to exclude God, or to consider faith as a private matter, not relevant in social life. While the set of values \u200b\u200bthat underpin society comes from the Gospel - as the sense of human dignity, solidarity, work and family - it is found a kind of "eclipse of God", a certain amnesia, if not a real waste of Christianity and a denial of the treasure of faith received, with the risk of losing their basic identity.
Because of this, dear friends, I invite you to step on your journey of faith in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are the future of society and the Church! As the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians in the city of Colossae, it is vital to have roots, a solid foundation! And this is especially true today when many have no stable reference points to build their lives, becoming so deeply insecure. Relativism is widespread, according to which everything is equal and there is no truth nor any absolute point of reference, does not generate true freedom, but instability, loss, conformity to the fashions of the moment. Young people, you are entitled to receive from the generations that precede full stops to make your choices and build your life as a young plant needs a firm support until the roots grow, to become, then, a sturdy tree, capable to bear fruit.
2. Rooted and grounded in Christ
To highlight the importance of faith in the lives of believers, I will touch on each of the three terms that Paul uses this expression: "Rooted and grounded in Christ, in the faith" (cf. Col 2:7). We can see three images: "rooted" evokes the tree and the roots that feed it, "founded" means the building of a house; "balance" refers to the growth of physical or moral force. These images speak for themselves. Before you comment, it should be noted simply that the three terms in the original text, the grammatical point of view, they are passive, meaning that it is Christ himself who takes the initiative to take root, establish and make firm the believers.
The first image is that of the tree, firmly planted in the soil through the roots, making it stable and feed it. Without roots, would be swept away by the wind, and die. What are our roots? Of course, the parents, family and culture of our country, that is a very important component of our identity. The Bible reveals another. The prophet Jeremiah writes: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and the Lord his trust. It is like a tree planted along a stream, the current spreads to the roots does not fear when the heat comes, its leaves stay green year of drought, do not trouble, never ceases to bear fruit "(Jeremiah 17.7 to 8). Spread the roots to the prophet means placing their trust in God we draw our life from Him, without Him we can not truly live. "God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son" (1 Jn 5:11). Jesus presents himself as our life (cf. Jn 14:6). So the Christian faith is not only believe the truth, but is primarily a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, is the encounter with the Son of God, who gives life to all new energy. When we enter into a personal relationship with Him, Christ reveals to us our identity, and, in his friendship, life grows and is fully realized. There comes a time, young people, where everyone wonders what is the point of my life, for what purpose, what direction should I give her? It 's a major step, which can disturb the soul, sometimes longer. It is thought the type of work to be undertaken, in which social relationships established at which patients develop ... In this context, I think back to my youth. Somehow I was soon aware that the Lord wanted me priest. But then, after the War, when the seminary and the university was on the way to this goal, I had to win this certainty. I had to ask: is this really my way? Is this really the Lord's will for me? I'll be able to remain faithful to Him and to be totally available to Him, in His service? Such a decision must also be painful. It can not be otherwise. But then arose the certainty that is so good! Yes, the Lord wants me, so I will the force. In listening, in going along with him to become truly myself. It does not count the realization of my own desires, but His will. Thus, life becomes true.
As the tree roots hold it firmly in the ground, so the foundation gives the house a long-term stability. Through faith, we are justified in Christ (cf. Col 2:7), like a house built on the foundation. In sacred history we have many examples of saints who have built their lives on the Word of God, Abraham is first. Our father in faith to obey God asking him to leave the family home to move towards an unknown country. "Abraham believed to God and it was reckoned as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God "(James 2:23). Be grounded in Christ means to respond concretely to the call of God, trusting him and putting into practice His Word. Jesus warns his disciples: "Why do I cry out: 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say?" (Lk 6,46). And, using the image of the construction of the house, added: "Whoever comes to me and hears my words and does them ... is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundations on rock. When it was full, the river hit that house but could not shake it because it was well built "(Luke 6.47-48).
Dear friends, build your house on the rock, as the man who "has dug very deep." Try you too, every day, to follow the Word of Christ. Feel like a true friend to share the journey of your life. With him beside you are able to face with courage and hope of the difficulties, problems, disappointments and defeats. We are continually presented proposals easier, but you see yourself as may be misleading, do not give you peace and joy. Only the Word of God shows us the true way, the only faith that has been passed is the light that illuminates the path. Accept with gratitude this spiritual gift you received from your families and strive to respond responsibly to the call of God, growing up in the faith. Do not believe those who tell you that you do not need others to build your life! Lean, however, the faith of your loved ones, the faith of the Church, and thank the Lord you have received it and made it yours!
3.
Be firm in your faith "rooted and grounded in Christ, in the faith" (cf. Col 2:7). The letter that inspired this invitation, was written by St. Paul to meet a specific need of Christians in the city of Colossae. That community, in fact, was threatened by the influx of certain cultural trends of the time, which distracted the faithful from the Gospel. Our cultural, dear young people, has many similarities with that of Colossians at the time. In fact, there is a strong current of thought that wants to exclude God from the secular life of people and society, and looked forward to trying to create a "paradise" without him But experience teaches that the world without God becomes a "hell "prevailing selfishness, divisions in families, the hatred between people and between nations, the lack of love, joy and hope. In contrast, where individuals and nations welcome the presence of God, worship him in truth and hear his voice, you actually builds a civilization of love, where everyone is respected in his dignity, growing community, with the fruits that it brings. But there are some Christians who were seduced by the secular way of thinking, or are attracted to the religious currents that move away from faith in Jesus Christ. Others, without adhering to these warnings, they simply left to cool their faith, with inevitable negative consequences for morale.
The brothers have been infected by ideas foreign to the Gospel, the apostle Paul reminds the power of Christ crucified and risen. This mystery is the foundation of our life, the center of the Christian faith. All philosophies that ignore it, considering it "foolishness" (1 Cor 1:23), show their limits in front of the big questions that inhabit the human heart. For this very reason, as the Successor of Peter, I wish to confirm you in faith (cf. Lk 22:32). We firmly believe that Jesus Christ offered himself on the Cross to give us his love, his passion has led our sufferings, took upon himself our sins, we have obtained forgiveness and reconciled us with God the Father, opening the way to eternal life. In this way we have been liberated from what most hinders our lives: the slavery of sin, and we love everyone, even enemies, and share that love with the brothers of the poor and struggling.
Dear friends, often we are afraid of the Cross, because it seems to be the negation of life. In fact, it's the opposite! It is the "yes" man of God, the ultimate expression of his love and the source from which life springs eternal. In fact, the heart of Jesus on the cross is sprung open this divine life, always available for those who agree to raise their eyes towards the Crucified. So, I can only invite you to receive the Cross of Jesus, a sign of God as a source of new life. Outside of Christ crucified and risen, there is no salvation! He alone can free the world from evil and to grow the Kingdom of justice, peace and love which we all aspire.
4. Believing in Jesus Christ without seeing
In the Gospel we describe the experience of faith of the Apostle Thomas in accepting the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. Thomas is part of the twelve apostles followed Jesus, is a direct witness of his healings, miracles, heard his words, has experienced the loss before his death. On the evening of Easter, the Lord appears to the disciples, but Thomas is not present, and when he is told that Jesus is alive and has been shown, said: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and put my finger in mark of the nails and put my hand into his side, I do not believe "(Jn 20:25).
We also would like to see Jesus, to speak with him, feel his presence even more strongly. Today, for many, access to Jesus became difficult. Circulate so many images of Jesus who pretend to be scientific and take away his greatness, the uniqueness of His person. Therefore, during long years of study and meditation, he developed in me the thought of transmitting a bit 'of my personal encounter with Jesus in a book to help almost see, hear, touch the Lord, in whom God came to meet us for be known. Jesus himself, in fact, appearing after eight days again his disciples said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, you tend your hand and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing "(Jn 20:27). We too can have a significant contact with Jesus, to put, so to speak, the hand signs of his Passion, the signs of his love in the sacraments He is especially close to us, gives himself to us. Dear young people, learn to "see", to "meet" Jesus in the Eucharist, where it is present and close up to get food for our journey, in the Sacrament of Penance, in which God manifests his mercy he offers always forgiveness. Recognize and serve Jesus even in the poor, the sick and the brothers who are in difficulty and they need help.
Open and cultivated a personal dialogue with Jesus Christ in faith. Know him by reading the Gospels and the Catechism of the Catholic Church entered into conversation with him in prayer, give them your confidence, do not betray ever! "Faith is above all a personal adherence of man to God at the same time and inseparably, it is a free assent to the truth revealed by God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 150). So you can acquire a mature faith, a solid, it will not be based solely on a religious feeling or a vague memory of the catechism of your childhood. You can know God and to live authentically Him, like the Apostle Thomas, when a strong demonstration of his faith in Jesus: "My Lord and my God."
5. Supported by the faith of the Church, to witness
At that time Jesus exclaimed: "Why you have seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (Jn 20:29). He thinks the path of the Church founded on the faith of the eyewitnesses: the Apostles. We understand that our personal faith in Christ, born from the dialogue with him, is linked to the Church's faith: believers are not isolated, but, through Baptism, we are members of this family, and is the faith professed by the Church that gives Security to our personal faith. We proclaim the Creed at Sunday Mass just protects us from the danger of believing in a God that is not what Jesus told us: "Every believer is a link in the great chain of believers. I can not believe without being carried by the faith of others, and, by my faith I help support the beliefs of others "(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 166). We always thank the Lord for the gift of the Church, it makes us move forward with confidence in the faith, which gives us the real life (cf. Jn 20:31).
In the history of the Church, the saints and martyrs have been drawn by the glorious Cross of Christ the strength to be faithful to God even to the giving of oneself, faith have found the strength to overcome their weaknesses and overcome any adversity. In fact, as the Apostle John, "who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 Jn 5:5). And the victory that comes from faith is that of love. How many Christians have been and are a living testimony to the power of faith expressed in love: they were the artisans of peace, promoters of justice, leaders of a more humane world, a world as God has been engaged in various spheres of social life with competence and professionalism, effectively contributing to the good of all. The love that comes from faith led them to witness a very concrete, in the acts and words: Christ is not good just for ourselves, is the most precious thing we have to share with others. In the era of globalization, be witnesses of Christian hope throughout the world: there are many who wish to receive this hope! In front of the tomb of his friend Lazarus, dead for four days, Jesus, before calling to life, said his sister Martha, "If you believe you will see the glory of God" (cf. Jn 11.40). You too, if you believe, if you can live and bear witness to your faith every day, become an instrument to find other young people like you the sense and joy of life, which the encounter with Christ!
6. Around the World Day of Madrid
Dear friends, I renew my invitation to come to World Youth Day in Madrid. With deep joy, I expect each of you personally, Christ wants to make you steadfast in the faith through the Church. The choice to believe in Christ and follow him is not easy, is hampered by our infidelities and many personal items that indicate the easy way. Do not be discouraged, rather than looking for support from the Christian community, the support of the Church! During this year's intensely prepared for our meeting in Madrid with your bishops, your priests and leaders of youth ministry in dioceses, parishes, associations and movements. The quality of our meeting will depend largely on the spiritual preparation, prayer, by listening together to the Word of God and mutual support.
Dear young people, the Church is counting on you! She needs your faith alive in your love and creative drive of your hope. Your presence renews the Church, rejuvenates and gives it new impetus. This is why the World Youth Days are a grace not only for you but for all the People of God Church in Spain is actively preparing to welcome and live with the joyous experience of faith. I thank the dioceses, parishes, shrines, religious communities, associations and ecclesial movements, which work with generosity to the preparation of this event. The Lord will bless. The Virgin Mary accompany this process of preparation. She, Angel, received with faith the Word of God, he agreed to work with faith that God was doing in her. Pronouncing her "fiat", his "yes", received the gift of a great charity, which prompted her to give herself to God, intercede for each one of you, so that the next World Youth Day can grow in faith and love. I assure you my father's remembrance in prayer and bless you from my heart.
From the Vatican, August 6, 2010, Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
