MEETING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AND SEMINARIANS
ADDRESS OF
HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
Saint Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, New York
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Your
Eminence,
Dear Brother Bishops,
Dear Young Friends,
“Proclaim the Lord Christ …
and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope
that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15). With these words from the First
Letter of Peter I greet each of you with heartfelt affection. I thank
Cardinal Egan for his kind words of welcome and I also thank the
representatives chosen from among you for their gestures of welcome. To Bishop
Walsh, Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary, staff and seminarians, I offer my
special greetings and gratitude.
Young friends, I am very happy
to have the opportunity to speak with you. Please pass on my warm greetings to
your family members and relatives, and to the teachers and staff of the various
schools, colleges and universities you attend. I know that many people have
worked hard to ensure that our gathering could take place. I am most grateful
to them all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday!
Thank you for this moving gesture; I give you all an “A plus” for your German
pronunciation! This evening I wish to share with you some thoughts about being
disciples of Jesus Christ ─ walking in the Lord’s footsteps, our own
lives become a journey of hope.
In front of you are the images
of six ordinary men and women who grew up to lead extraordinary lives. The
Church honors them as Venerable, Blessed, or Saint: each responded to the
Lord’s call to a life of charity and each served him here, in the alleys,
streets and suburbs of New York. I am struck by what a remarkably diverse group
they are: poor and rich, lay men and women - one a wealthy wife and mother -
priests and sisters, immigrants from afar, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior
father and Algonquin mother, another a Haitian slave, and a Cuban intellectual.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha,
Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Padre Felix Varela: any one of us could be
among them, for there is no stereotype to this group, no single mold. Yet a
closer look reveals that there are common elements. Inflamed with the love of
Jesus, their lives became remarkable journeys of hope. For some, that meant
leaving home and embarking on a pilgrim journey of thousands of miles. For each
there was an act of abandonment to God, in the confidence that he is the final
destination of every pilgrim. And all offered an outstretched hand of hope to
those they encountered along the way, often awakening in them a life of faith.
Through orphanages, schools and hospitals, by befriending the poor, the sick
and the marginalized, and through the compelling witness that comes from
walking humbly in the footsteps of Jesus, these six people laid open the way of
faith, hope and charity to countless individuals, including perhaps your own
ancestors.
And what of today? Who bears
witness to the Good News of Jesus on the streets of New York, in the troubled
neighborhoods of large cities, in the places where the young gather, seeking
someone in whom they can trust? God is our origin and our destination, and
Jesus the way. The path of that journey twists and turns ─ just as it did
for our saints ─ through the joys and the trials of ordinary, everyday
life: within your families, at school or college, during your recreation
activities, and in your parish communities. All these places are marked by the
culture in which you are growing up. As young Americans you are offered many
opportunities for personal development, and you are brought up with a sense of
generosity, service and fairness. Yet you do not need me to tell you that there
are also difficulties: activities and mindsets which stifle hope, pathways which
seem to lead to happiness and fulfillment but in fact end only in confusion and
fear.
My own years as a teenager
were marred by a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its
influence grew – infiltrating schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and
even religion – before it was fully recognized for the monster it was. It
banished God and thus became impervious to anything true and good. Many of your
grandparents and great-grandparents will have recounted the horror of the
destruction that ensued. Indeed, some of them came to America precisely to
escape such terror.
Let us thank God that today
many people of your generation are able to enjoy the liberties which have
arisen through the extension of democracy and respect for human rights. Let us
thank God for all those who strive to ensure that you can grow up in an
environment that nurtures what is beautiful, good, and true: your parents and
grandparents, your teachers and priests, those civic leaders who seek what is
right and just.
The power to destroy does,
however, remain. To pretend otherwise would be to fool ourselves. Yet, it never
triumphs; it is defeated. This is the essence of the hope that defines us as
Christians; and the Church recalls this most dramatically during the Easter Triduum
and celebrates it with great joy in the season of Easter! The One who shows us
the way beyond death is the One who shows us how to overcome destruction and
fear: thus it is Jesus who is the true teacher of life (cf. Spe Salvi, 6). His death and
resurrection mean that we can say to the Father “you have restored us to life!”
(Prayer after Communion, Good Friday). And so, just a few weeks ago,
during the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy, it was not from despair or fear that
we cried out to God for our world, but with hope-filled confidence: dispel the
darkness of our heart! dispel the darkness of our minds! (cf. Prayer at the
Lighting of the Easter Candle).
What might that darkness be?
What happens when people, especially the most vulnerable, encounter a clenched
fist of repression or manipulation rather than a hand of hope? A first group of
examples pertains to the heart. Here, the dreams and longings that young people
pursue can so easily be shattered or destroyed. I am thinking of those affected
by drug and substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence, and
degradation – especially of girls and women. While the causes of these problems
are complex, all have in common a poisoned attitude of mind which results in
people being treated as mere objects ─ a callousness of heart takes hold
which first ignores, then ridicules, the God-given dignity of every human being.
Such tragedies also point to what might have been and what could be, were there
other hands – your hands – reaching out. I encourage you to invite others,
especially the vulnerable and the innocent, to join you along the way of
goodness and hope.
The second area of darkness –
that which affects the mind – often goes unnoticed, and for this reason is
particularly sinister. The manipulation of truth distorts our perception of
reality, and tarnishes our imagination and aspirations. I have already
mentioned the many liberties which you are fortunate enough to enjoy. The
fundamental importance of freedom must be rigorously safeguarded. It is no
surprise then that numerous individuals and groups vociferously claim their
freedom in the public forum. Yet freedom is a delicate value. It can be
misunderstood or misused so as to lead not to the happiness which we all expect
it to yield, but to a dark arena of manipulation in which our understanding of
self and the world becomes confused, or even distorted by those who have an
ulterior agenda.
Have you noticed how often the
call for freedom is made without ever referring to the truth of the human
person? Some today argue that respect for freedom of the individual makes it
wrong to seek truth, including the truth about what is good. In some circles to
speak of truth is seen as controversial or divisive, and consequently best kept
in the private sphere. And in truth’s place – or better said its absence – an
idea has spread which, in giving value to everything indiscriminately, claims
to assure freedom and to liberate conscience. This we call relativism. But what
purpose has a “freedom” which, in disregarding truth, pursues what is false or
wrong? How many young people have been offered a hand which in the name of
freedom or experience has led them to addiction, to moral or intellectual
confusion, to hurt, to a loss of self-respect, even to despair and so
tragically and sadly to the taking of their own life? Dear friends, truth is
not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the
One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we
come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That
is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less
than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very
being for others (cf. Spe Salvi, 28).
How then can we as believers
help others to walk the path of freedom which brings fulfillment and lasting
happiness? Let us again turn to the saints. How did their witness truly free
others from the darkness of heart and mind? The answer is found in the kernel of
their faith; the kernel of our faith. The Incarnation, the birth of Jesus,
tells us that God does indeed find a place among us. Though the inn is full, he
enters through the stable, and there are people who see his light. They
recognize Herod’s dark closed world for what it is, and instead follow the
bright guiding star of the night sky. And what shines forth? Here you might
recall the prayer uttered on the most holy night of Easter: “Father we share in
the light of your glory through your Son the light of the world … inflame us
with your hope!” (Blessing of the Fire). And so, in solemn procession
with our lighted candles we pass the light of Christ among us. It is “the light
which dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings
mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly pride” (Exsultet).
This is Christ’s light at work. This is the way of the saints. It is a
magnificent vision of hope – Christ’s light beckons you to be guiding stars for
others, walking Christ’s way of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility, joy and
peace.
At times, however, we are
tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance,
to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The
diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the
breadth and depth of Christianity. Let your imaginations soar freely along the
limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we are
looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further
from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of
wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of
his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith.
Dear friends, the example of
the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure
of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in
action, and vocations.
What matters most is that you
develop your personal relationship with God. That relationship is expressed in
prayer. God by his very nature speaks, hears, and replies. Indeed, Saint Paul
reminds us: we can and should “pray constantly” (1 Thess 5:17). Far from
turning in on ourselves or withdrawing from the ups and downs of life, by
praying we turn towards God and through him to each other, including the
marginalized and those following ways other than God’s path (cf. Spe Salvi, 33). As the
saints teach us so vividly, prayer becomes hope in action. Christ was their
constant companion, with whom they conversed at every step of their journey for
others.
There is another aspect of
prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for
example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then
respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps
lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s
whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence
or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape
your journey as an unfolding of holiness.
In the liturgy we find the
whole Church at prayer. The word liturgy means the participation of God’s
people in “the work of Christ the Priest and of His Body which is the Church” (Sacrosanctum
Concilium, 7). What is that work? First of all it refers to
Christ’s Passion, his Death and Resurrection, and his Ascension – what we call
the Paschal Mystery. It also refers to the celebration of the liturgy itself.
The two meanings are in fact inseparably linked because this “work of Jesus” is
the real content of the liturgy. Through the liturgy, the “work of Jesus” is
continually brought into contact with history; with our lives in order to shape
them. Here we catch another glimpse of the grandeur of our Christian faith.
Whenever you gather for Mass, when you go to Confession, whenever you celebrate
any of the sacraments, Jesus is at work. Through the Holy Spirit, he draws you
to himself, into his sacrificial love of the Father which becomes love for all.
We see then that the Church’s liturgy is a ministry of hope for humanity. Your
faithful participation, is an active hope which helps to keep the world –
saints and sinners alike – open to God; this is the truly human hope we offer
everyone (cf. Spe Salvi, 34).
Your personal prayer, your
times of silent contemplation, and your participation in the Church’s liturgy,
bring you closer to God and also prepare you to serve others. The saints
accompanying us this evening show us that the life of faith and hope is also a
life of charity. Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most
radical form. We can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move
(cf. Deus Caritas Est, 12). The
opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ’s
eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you
ready to give all as he did for truth and justice? Many of the examples of the
suffering which our saints responded to with compassion are still found here in
this city and beyond. And new injustices have arisen: some are complex and stem
from the exploitation of the heart and manipulation of the mind; even our
common habitat, the earth itself, groans under the weight of consumerist greed
and irresponsible exploitation. We must listen deeply. We must respond with a
renewed social action that stems from the universal love that knows no bounds.
In this way, we ensure that our works of mercy and justice become hope in
action for others.
Dear young people, finally I
wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your
parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in
the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to
receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness
of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were
incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us
pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may
be struggling in any way – socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the
vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate
that it is in families that vocations are given life.
Gathered here at Saint Joseph
Seminary, I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage all seminarians
throughout America. I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing! The
People of God look to you to be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion,
inspiring in others the desire to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of
believers. I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Talk heart to heart with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism,
or conceit. Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and
humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to
become living icons (cf. Pastores Dabo Vobis, 33). Dear
seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is
to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.
Religious Sisters, Brothers
and Priests contribute greatly to the mission of the Church. Their prophetic
witness is marked by a profound conviction of the primacy with which the Gospel
shapes Christian life and transforms society. Today, I wish to draw your
attention to the positive spiritual renewal which Congregations are undertaking
in relation to their charism. The word charism means a gift freely and
graciously given. Charisms are bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who inspires
founders and foundresses, and shapes Congregations with a subsequent spiritual
heritage. The wondrous array of charisms proper to each Religious Institute is
an extraordinary spiritual treasury. Indeed, the history of the Church is
perhaps most beautifully portrayed through the history of her schools of
spirituality, most of which stem from the saintly lives of founders and
foundresses. Through the discovery of charisms, which yield such a breadth of
spiritual wisdom, I am sure that some of you young people will be drawn to a
life of apostolic or contemplative service. Do not be shy to speak with
Religious Brothers, Sisters or Priests about the charism and spirituality of
their Congregation. No perfect community exists, but it is fidelity to a
founding charism, not to particular individuals, that the Lord calls you to
discern. Have courage! You too can make your life a gift of self for the love
of the Lord Jesus and, in him, of every member of the human family (cf. Vita Consecrata, 3).
Friends, again I ask you, what
about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope
which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love
of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded
within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church
that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord.
Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church’s
liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it
with joy. You are Christ’s disciples today. Shine his light upon this great
city and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within
you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free. With these sentiments of
great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet again in Sydney this July
for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you and your families, I
gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.
* * *
Queridos
Seminaristas, queridos jóvenes:
Es para mí una gran alegría
poder encontrarme con todos ustedes en el transcurso de esta visita, durante la
cual he festejado también mi cumpleaños. Gracias por su acogida y por el cariño
que me han demostrado.
Les animo a abrirle al Señor
su corazón para que Él lo llene por completo y con el fuego de su amor lleven
su Evangelio a todos los barrios de Nueva York.
La luz de la fe les
impulsará a responder al mal con el bien y la santidad de vida, como lo
hicieron los grandes testigos del Evangelio a lo largo de los siglos. Ustedes
están llamados a continuar esa cadena de amigos de Jesús, que encontraron en su
amor el gran tesoro de sus vidas. Cultiven esta amistad a través de la oración,
tanto personal como litúrgica, y por medio de las obras de caridad y del
compromiso por ayudar a los más necesitados. Si no lo han hecho, plantéense
seriamente si el Señor les pide seguirlo de un modo radical en el ministerio
sacerdotal o en la vida consagrada. No basta una relación esporádica con
Cristo. Una amistad así no es tal. Cristo les quiere amigos suyos íntimos,
fieles y perseverantes.
A la vez que les renuevo mi
invitación a participar en la Jornada Mundial de la
Juventud en Sidney, les aseguro mi recuerdo en la oración, en la que
suplico a Dios que los haga auténticos discípulos de Cristo Resucitado. Muchas gracias.
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Copyright 2008 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana