JP II - Salt and Light

Yesterday, April 2nd marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI's homily was reported on VIS and he capitalizes on the fervor and joy of the late pontiff's desire to spread the Word of God.

As disciples we are called to be the "salt of the earth*" and "the light of the world.*" As servers, we must serve the Lord in the Sanctuary and out in the world. Take a few moments to read the report and then take some time with your parents and family to discuss the late JP II's role in spreading the Gospel and what you can do to retain your saltiness and light.

*Suggested reading: Matthew 5: 13-14

JOHN PAUL II COMMUNICATED HOPE VATICAN CITY
3 APR 2009 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 6 p.m. yesterday, 2 April and fourth anniversary of the death of John Paul II, Benedict XVI presided at a Mass in commemoration of his predecessor. In his homily, Benedict XVI explained how John Paul II "remains alive in people's hearts, as is evident from the non-stop pilgrimage of the faithful to his tomb in the Vatican Grottoes".
Turning then to address young people he said: "Your presence brings to mind the enthusiasm John Paul II was able to infuse in the new generations. His memory is a stimulus for us all, as we gather in this basilica where he often celebrated the Eucharist, to allow ourselves to be illuminated and summoned by the Word of God". The Holy Father then considered the Gospel readings, highlighting the difficulties involved in being witnesses of Christ.
"Our thoughts", he said, "go to the beloved Servant of God Karol Wojtyla - John Paul II, who from his youth showed himself to be a bold and intrepid defender of Christ.
For His sake, he did not hesitate to spend all his energies in order to carry His light everywhere. He accepted no compromise when it came to proclaiming and defending His Truth. He never tired of spreading His love. From the beginning of his pontificate, right up to 2 April 2005, he was not afraid to proclaim, always and to everyone, that only Jesus is the true Liberator of man".
Benedict XVI also dwelt on the fruitfulness of John Paul II's pontificate. "We could say ... that he generated many sons and daughters in the faith", he affirmed, telling the young people present that they "ideally represent the ranks of young men and women who have participated in the twenty-three World Youth Days in various parts of the world. How many vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life, how many young families resolved to live the evangelical ideal and to tend towards sanctity are linked to the testimony and preaching of my venerated predecessor!" the Pope cried. "How many young men and women have converted to, or maintained, the Christian path, thanks to his prayers, his encouragement and the support of his example"!
"John Paul II was able to communicate a powerful message of hope, founded on faith in Jesus Christ Who is 'is the same yesterday, and today, and forever'. ... As an affectionate father and a careful teacher, he indicated sure and sound points of reference indispensable for everyone, especially for the young. And in his final hours and his death this new generation wished to show they had understood his teaching, gathering silently in prayer in St. Peter's Square and many other places around the world. Those young people were aware that his demise was a loss: 'their' Pope was dying, whom they considered as 'their father' in the faith".
"We cannot live without hope", insisted the Holy Father, "but we must be careful. In times such as these, given the cultural and social context in which we live, there is a risk of reducing Christian hope to an ideology, to group slogans, to exterior cladding. Nothing could be more opposite to Jesus' message! He does not want His disciples 'to recite' a role, even a role of hope. He wants them 'to be' hope, and they can be so only if they remain united to Him".
"If the words of Christ remain within us, then we will be able to propagate the flame of love that He lit upon the earth; we will be able to hold high the torch of faith and hope. ... This is the flame that Pope John Paul II left as his legacy. He gave it to me as his successor, and this evening I ideally consign it, once again, to you young people of Rome, that you may continue to be sentinels of the morning, watchful and joyful at this dawn of the third millennium".

A classic video presentation of JPII that's been floating around the blogosphere. Enjoy.

A note on Eucharistic Adoration

The Vatican Information Service (VIS) provides stories, reports, and statistics of the Vatican, especially on the Holy Father. Usually, the "mid-day addresses" are reported where the Holy Father provides instruction, re-caps of speeches he made, and catechesis through his Wednesday addresses. Many of these reports and stories provide valuable insight into the teaching of Holy Mother Church and a good number can deepen our faith and participation in the MEF.

This past friday Friday, VIS reported on the Holy Father's speech to "the plenary assembly of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, who have been meeting to consider the question of Eucharistic adoration."

"The doctrine of the transubstantiation of the bread and wine, and of the real presence, are a truth of faith, already evident in Holy Scripture and later confirmed by the Fathers of the Church", said Benedict XVI.

After then explaining that, "in the Eucharist, adoration must become union: union with the living Lord and with His mystical Body", the Pope recalled words he had pronounced at World Youth Day 2005 in the German city of Cologne: "God no longer simply stands before us as the One who is totally Other. He is within us, and we are in Him. His dynamic enters into us and then seeks to spread outwards to others until it fills the world, so that His love can truly become the dominant measure of the world.

"On that occasion", he added, "I also reminded young people that in the Eucharist we experience the fundamental transformation of violence into love, of death into life. This brings other changes in its wake".

The Pope highlighted the importance of a renewal of Eucharistic adoration. This, he said, "will only be possible through a greater awareness of the mystery in complete faithfulness to Sacred Tradition, and by enhancing liturgical life within our communities". In this context, he also expressed his appreciation at the fact that the plenary had examined the question of "the formation of all the People of God in the faith, with particular concern for seminarians, favouring their development in a spirit of authentic Eucharistic adoration".

"Recalling three penitential practices particularly dear to biblical and Christian tradition (prayer, almsgiving and fasting)", he concluded, "let us encourage one another to rediscover and practice fasting with renewed fervour, not only as a form of asceticism but also as a preparation for the Eucharist and as a spiritual weapon to fight against any disordered attachment to ourselves". "

In the Diocese of Charlotte, there are a number of pastors who have instituted Eucharistic Adoration. In the city of Charlotte, there's specific times for Adoration at most of the parishes including, but not limited to, St. Patrick's (Wednesday's), St. Michael's (Wednesday's), St. Ann's (Wednesday's) and there's 24 hour perpetual Adoration at St. Gabriel.

The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic News and Herald recently went to St. Ann's and reported on Eucharistic Adoration there. (.pdf version)

Everyone, especially servers, are encouraged to make the time to adore the Lord and allow Him to continuously convert your hearts so that you may be more united with Him and serve Him with the love He deserves.

Photo credit: Lawrence OP http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/