Week Thirteen
You shall be happy... (Psalms 128:2)
"Wherever I go I challenge young people--as a friend--to live in the light and truth of Jesus Christ." --Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, Missouri
Think About That
There are so many things you hear and see everyday that try to convince you that they will bring you real happiness--like the right clothes, or the right friends, or alcohol, and so on. But the truth is that only living in the light of Jesus Christ brings real happiness and joy. Only when we live the way Jesus wants us to live can we be happy. The Holy Father, as our friend, tells us this is true without doubt.
Take Action
Can you think of one thing that people say will make you happy? Is that something that is consistent with what Jesus teaches? If not, ask yourself, "will this really make me happy?" Now, what do you want to choose? Do you want to follow false truths or do you want to follow Jesus Christ who is the truth and the light of happiness? Your action step this week is to choose which path you will take.
Say A Prayer
Lord, help me to choose your truth today and always.
Did You Know?
Pope John Paul II was born on May 18, 1920.
Taken from...
My Dear Young Friends: Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth on Life, Love, and Courage
Copyright © 2002 -- Reprinted with permission of the editor, John M. Vitek.
My Dear Young Friends, a collection of fifty-two weekly reflections on living in the Spirit, invites young people to read and act on Pope John Paul II's inspiring addresses to young people gathered at annual World Youth Day celebrations. Please visit www.smp.org for more information from the publisher, Saint Mary's Press.
