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Pope Benedict XVI- Message- Vocations |
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
To the
Youth in Loreto, Italy
Sunday, September 2, 2007
don't be seduced
the world needs daring christians
LORETO, Italy, SEPT. 2, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI invited half
a million young people to go against the current in a world seduced
by violence, despotism and "success at all costs."
The Pope's appeal resounded at the closing Mass today in Loreto,
where the Holy Father arrived Saturday for an encounter with youth
from Italy and around the world.
"There are so many messages, above all through the media, that are
being directed toward you! Be vigilant! Be critical!" the Pontiff
exclaimed.
Most of the young pilgrims had spent the night under the stars or in
large tents. There were 150 bishops and 2,000 priests who
concelebrated the Eucharist with the Pope.
Benedict XVI spoke to the youth a few kilometers from the Italian
national shrine, where, according to tradition, Mary’s house was
carried stone by stone from Nazareth.
He explained to the young people that the humility that they heard
about in the Gospel passage read at Mass ("Whoever exalts himself
will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted," Luke
14:11) is not "the way of renunciation but of courage."
Under a scorching sun, the Bishop of Rome told the young people:
"The message is this: Do not follow the way of pride but the way of
humility.
"Go against the current: Do not listen to the interesting and
seductive voices that today from many parts propose as models lives
of arrogance and violence, of despotism and success at all costs, of
appearances and having, of harm to being."
Media influence
Speaking of the enormous influence that media desire to have on
young people, he told them: "Do not follow the current produced by
this powerful attempt at persuasion.
"Do not be afraid, dear friends, to prefer the 'alternative' ways
indicated by true love: a sober way of life attentive to others;
affectionate relationships that are sincere and pure; an honest
commitment in study and work; deep interest in the common good.”
The Pope encouraged them to not be afraid "to appear different and
be criticized for that which might seem foolish or unfashionable."
"Your fellow young people, but also adults and especially those who
seem the farthest from the mentality and values of the Gospel, have
a profound need to see someone who dares to live according to the
fullness of humanity manifested in Jesus Christ," he said.
"The way of humility, dear friends, is therefore not the way of
renunciation but of courage,” Benedict XVI emphasized. "It is not
the result of a defeat but the outcome of a victory of love over
egoism and of grace over sin."
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