Pope Francis has called on young faithful to let Christ transform their lives towards living as a gift for Jesus and the world.
He stated this in a message sent to the XXI Latam meeting of Caribbean and Latin American national youth ministry leaders in Asunción, Paraguay, July 15-20.
“Let Christ transform your natural optimism into authentic love; a love that knows how to sacrifice, that is sincere, real and genuine, so that your youth will be a gift for Jesus and for the world and you will be able to spend your life in a worthy and fruitful way.”
The Pope emphasised the value of youth ministry for the Church, and called on young people to let Christ use their energy to do great things in Christendom. “The command of Jesus to arise, means both a task and a responsibility.
“Do not be afraid of the Lord who passes by us and whispers in our ear, bends down to us and offers us his hand to lift us up every time we fall on our feet; resurrected, and therefore, we shouldn’t be afraid to let Him into your life.”
The Pope further urged young Christians to open wide the doors of their heart to Jesus, for the new life that comes from Him. He described it as a life without comparison and deserves to be lived.
“Do not be afraid of the Lord who passes by us and whispers in our ear, bends down to us and offers us his hand to lift us up every time we fall.”
The Holy Father encouraged the young Christians to live their days together in grateful faith, and likewise invited them to continue to prepare themselves during this Year of Prayer to celebrate the next Jubilee 2025 with joyful hope.
