Pope Francis tells Canadian youth in video message to
‘build bridges’
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a video message
to the young people of Canada gathered in preparation for the Synod of Bishops
2018.
The Holy Father invited them to build bridges through social
communications, without letting their youthful enthusiasm for the Gospel be
snuffed out.
In his video message to the young people of Canada, Pope
Francis reflected on the “marvels of technology” which now allow “encounters
and exchanges that were unthinkable until a short while ago.”
He invited them to use new channels of communication
positively and “not to let them be ruined by those bent only on exploiting and
destroying them”.
Spread youthful joy of Gospel
Rather, the Pope told them to flood the places they live
“with the joy and enthusiasm” typical of their age and “to water the world and
history with the joy of the Gospel”.
He said this is possible only through an encounter with
Jesus, “who has intrigued you and drawn you to be with him”, he said.
“Don’t let your youth be stolen from you,” Pope Francis told
the young people of Canada.
“Don’t build walls of division. Build bridges, like this one
which you are crossing and which allows you to communicate from the shores of
two oceans.”
Ever-present call to discipleship
Pope Francis went on to remind them that Jesus’ call to
discipleship can never be drowned out by the noise of modern communications.
“Jesus turns his gaze to you and invites you to come to him…
Have you heard his voice?... I’m sure that, even though din and daze seem to
reign in the world, this call continues to sound in your being, calling you to
open up to the fullness of joy.”
This, he said, is possible only when they have sought out
expert spiritual guides “to discover God’s project” for their life.
Courageous young people
Pope Francis also told the young people that the Church
needs courageous young people.
“The world and the Church need courageous young people, who
are not afraid of adversity, who confront any difficulty, keeping their eyes
and heart open to reality, so that no one may be rejected, fall victim to
injustice or violence, or be deprived of their dignity as a human person.”
The Holy Father said he had no doubt their “young hearts”
would remain open to the cry for help of their age mates, “who seek freedom,
work, studies, and the possibility to give meaning to their lives.”
Open to Christ
Finally, Pope Francis invited them to open themselves to
Christ.
“Let him speak to you, embrace you, console you, heal your
wounds, and dissolve your doubts and fears. Thus you will be ready for the
fascinating adventure of life.”
Jesus, he said, “is with you and awaits from you a
resounding ‘Here I am’.”
(Devin Sean Watkins)
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