Pope Benedict XVI's Words at 2008 WYD

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, had some important words to speak to young people throughout the world and especially to the current generation of Christian-Catholics who are seeking a new life in Christ.

In the Vatican News Email from Zenit ZE080727, it states:
"The Holy Spirit is also love and self-giving, Benedict XVI continued. 'Let unifying love be your measure; abiding love your challenge; self-giving love your mission!'
Thus, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not only a force for enlightenment and consolation, but also is a power for the creation of a new world, the Pope explained.
'Empowered by the Spirit, and drawing upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished -- not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed,' he said."

This is what we are being called to. Precisely the message of the Gospel- to carry the Word, who is Christ, to the world- for as God speaks through Isaiah in chapter 55, verse 11: "So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it."
This is why such a mandate, a call and a challenge to mankind is not oppressive or frightening but joy-filled and hopeful, because it is not US who preach Christ Jesus, but He himself, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit working within us.

Therefore, we must not allow fear to hold us back, for the voice of our Church is calling for us to have FAITH; to believe that with Christ all things are possible, and we can and will begin to bring transformation to our world through our witness to the love of God at work in our lives!

"Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love."

Welcome to worldAblaze!

I am a young person in a big world. I have learned a little in my short years here, but there is still much to accomplish. For me, the greatest achievement of my life will be spending it hoping to bring the Truth to those around me. 

I have experienced enough of the world to understand that Truth is something considered versatile and unsteady; I believe strongly that this is not the case, and so I have begun this blog in answer to the Gospel call given to every Christian-Catholic at their Baptism- to follow the Word of God with their life and to serve the Master in "setting the world ablaze." I have taken the Scripture verse of Luke 12:49 as my guide, and I hope that it will remain the purpose and mission of this blog. 

We are mere people- often we feel more acted-upon than able to act. Yet, this is not the case. We have every ability to step outside of the boxes and walls being built around us and remain sure in what we know to be right. 

If only the world was still being offered Truth- do you think so many people would turn away from it? I don't. Why would they, when Truth brings clarity, peace, order, value, virtue, hope, and love. These are so lacking in our culture that many forget what life can be like when they are involved. So often I feel like I might be imposing or infringing on someone else's space or beliefs, etc... when really I am just backing down from offering them what is rightfully theirs by birth under the love of God- the chance to choose a life that is full. 

So I am going to strive to answer the call for help that I hear everyday on the news, the radio, the tv, the ipod, and in the schools and on the streets- I am going to strive to be a living witness to Christ Jesus and hold Truth up for others to have some light shed in darkness.

I invite you to join me in setting our world ablaze with the Spirit of God.