The Holy Father stood, like a Stylite for a very long time
before the Blessed Sacrament last night.
I watched some of the coverage, and was deeply moved by the devotion of all.
I was especially impressed by the Holy Father's understanding of young people - his focus and zeroing in on the temptations they face in our 'new age'. The temptation to seek one's comfort and to zone out, living online - not caring beyond 'virtue-signalling' sentiments on social media, and so on. He challenged youth. I couldn't help wonder about how many conversions, vocations, and saints will emerge from this WYD in particular. Those present seemed to receive the Holy Father's message with more enthusiasm than their jaded-adult counterparts online, who are always so quick to criticize and even condemn the Holy Father.
When it comes to Jesus, we cannot sit around waiting with arms folded; he offers us life – we can’t respond by thinking about it or “texting” a few words!
Dear young friends, don’t be ashamed to bring everything to the Lord in confession, especially your weaknesses, your struggles and your sins. He will surprise you with his forgiveness and his peace. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him! Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice. Say a firm “no” to the narcotic of success at any cost and the sedative of worrying only about yourself and your own comfort.
People will try to block you, to make you think that God is distant, rigid and insensitive, good to the good and bad to the bad. Instead, our heavenly Father “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Mt 5:45). He demands of us real courage: the courage to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone, even our enemies. People may laugh at you because you believe in the gentle and unassuming power of mercy. But do not be afraid. Think of the motto of these days: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7). People may judge you to be dreamers, because you believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers and can cherish its own traditions without being self-centered or small-minded. Don’t be discouraged: with a smile and open arms, you proclaim hope and you are a blessing for our one human family, which here you represent so beautifully! - Pope Francis
The tabernacle-monstrance was beautiful.
It reminded me of the cabinet-ark in Synagogues
wherein the Torah is contained.
When opened, the tabernacle seen above,
revealed the monstrance depicting
Our Lady of Mercy,
in a tree-like design, immediately reminding me
of the ancient antiphon:
In the bush seen by Moses,
we recognize your glorious virginity,
O Mother of God ...
At the center, at the level of the Sacred Heart
of the Divine Mercy image,
the Body, Blood,
Soul, and Divinity
of Christ
was exposed for all
to adore
and turn to
seeking
the
Divine Mercy.
"People may laugh at you because you believe in the gentle and unassuming power of mercy. But do not be afraid. Think of the motto of these days: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Mt 5:7)."
ReplyDeleteAmen, Papa, amen! Your words will live on forever having touched the hearts of so many. Many seeds have been planted now. My task is to pray for those many seeds so they may take root and grow and proclaim Christ as our only one true love and hope.
Thank you Father God for this opportunity to do so.
"Those present seemed to receive the Holy Father's message with more enthusiasm than their jaded-adult counterparts online, who are always so quick to criticize and even condemn the Holy Father."
Where is their garden of hope? Of love? Of charity? The seeds planted in their garden, has their heart dried up? Are they waiting for a "certain gardener" before they will open their gates?
In the meantime there's much work to be done in the Lord's Vineyard ... let's pray not to get entangled in the death of dry weeds or behind the dead silence of a computer that only spews resentment or criticism towards those who "don't meet our criteria of what a good pope is or what makes him a good Catholic."
Great post Terry! God bless!