Pope's message for WYD: Do not be
afraid!
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| Pope Francis with World Youth Day volunteers during his 2016 visit to Poland.(Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis’ message for the 33rd World Youth Day, which
will be celebrated at diocesan level on Palm Sunday, March 25th, focuses on
helping young people to overcome their fears and discern their true vocation
By Philippa Hitchen
In the message, published by the Vatican on Thursday, the
Pope notes that the forthcoming celebration marks another step in preparation
for the international World Youth Day which is due to take place in Panama in
January 2019. It also precedes the Synod of Bishops on the theme of youth which
is scheduled for October this year, highlighting the importance of young people
in the life of the whole Church.
Name your fears
Reflecting on the words of the Angel Gabriel, “Do not be
afraid!”, spoken to Mary in St Luke’s Gospel, Pope Francis asks young people to
name their own fears. Today, he says, there are many youngsters who
continuously photo-shop their images or hide behind false identities, in an
attempt to adapt to artificial and unattainable standards. The uncertainty of
the jobs market, a sense of inadequacy and a lack of emotional security are
other fears which afflict young people, he says.
Importance of discernment
In moments when doubts and fears flood our hearts, the Pope
continues, discernment is vital so that we don’t waste energy being gripped by
empty and faceless ghosts. The Bible doesn’t ignore the human experience of
fear, he says, noting how Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Peter, the apostles and even
Jesus himself experienced fear and anguish. The phrase “Do not be afraid” is
repeated 365 times in the Bible, the Pope says, “as if to tell us that the Lord
wants us to be free from fear, every day of the year”.
Don't hide behind screens
Pope Francis says discernment should not just be an
individual effort at introspection, but also means opening ourselves up to God
and to others who can guide us through their own experience. Authentic
Christians, he insists, are not afraid to open themselves to others and he
urges young people not to close themselves up in a dark room “in which the only
window to the outside world is a computer and smartphone”.
Do you accept the challenge?
Just as the Angel calls Mary by name, the Pope continues, so
each one of us is called personally by God. Through God’s grace, we can take
courage, despite all the doubts, difficulties and temptations that crop up
along our way. If we allow ourselves to be touched by Mary’s example, he says,
we too can learn to love God and to dedicate ourselves to the weakest and
poorest among us. Dear young people, the Pope concludes, as WYD in Panama draws
closer, I invite you to prepare yourselves with joy and enthusiasm. “WYD is for
the courageous!” “Do you accept the challenge?”
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