Pope John Paul II Speaks to Youth

Week Thirty-Three

Set free from sin... (Romans 6:18)

"To be truly free does not at all mean doing everything that pleases me, or doing what I want to do... To be truly free means to use one's own freedom for what is a true good." --Pope John Paul II, Dilecti Amici

Think About That

As we grow up, especially in our teenage years, we begin to discover more about what freedom means. We get to do things we never could do before. The trap is that we can begin to think that means we can do whatever we want to do. But, if we call ourselves Christians then we must always do what Jesus would do.

Take Action

Make ten small cards with the phrase: "Set yourself free. Do something good for someone else today!" This week, distribute the cards to ten people you know and ask them to take action on the saying within one week. Tell them it's like their "get out of jail free" card from Monopoly.

Say A Prayer

Lord, help me to be truly free by doing what you ask of me rather than doing whatever I feel like doing regardless of what it is.

Did You Know?

The large pointed hat worn by the Pope is called a mitre. It is a ceremonial headdress worn for liturgical celebrations.


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.

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