Week Fifteen
I am poor and needy... (Psalms 40:17)
"Dear young people, I invite you especially to take concrete initiatives of solidarity and sharing alongside and with those who are the poorest. Participate generously in one or another of the projects through which, in different countries, others of your contemporaries are involved in gestures of fraternity and solidarity." --Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day XIV
Think About That
The Holy Father is inviting us to move way outside of our comfort zone. He's asking us to go travel to the parts of the world where the poorest of the poor live. He invites us to get to know the poor as our brothers and sisters. Wow! Now that's a challenge.
Take Action
This week call your parish youth minister or the diocesan office and ask if there are organized programs for mission trips to other parts of the country or world. Ask for information about those mission trips. Study, reflect on, and pray about what you learn. Listen to God in prayer to hear how he is calling you to participate in this mission.
Say A Prayer
Dear God, help me to hear your will in sharing some of my life and time with the poorest of the poor. Guide me and direct me in your will.
Did You Know?
Pope John Paul II's father passed away at the age of 62 on February 18, 1941.
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.
