Your Eminence, Dear Brother Bishops, Dear Young Friends,
“Proclaim the
Lord Christ … and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for
the hope that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15). With these words from the First
Letter of Peter I greet each of you with heartfelt affection. I thank Cardinal
Egan for his kind words of welcome and I also thank the representatives chosen from
among you for their gestures of welcome. To Bishop Walsh, Rector of Saint Joseph
Seminary, staff and seminarians, I offer my special greetings and gratitude. Young
friends, I am very happy to have the opportunity to speak with you. Please pass on
my warm greetings to your family members and relatives, and to the teachers and staff
of the various schools, colleges and universities you attend. I know that many people
have worked hard to ensure that our gathering could take place. I am most grateful
to them all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday! Thank
you for this moving gesture; I give you all an “A plus” for your German pronunciation!
This evening I wish to share with you some thoughts about being disciples of Jesus
Christ ─ walking in the Lord’s footsteps, our own lives become a journey of hope. In
front of you are the images of six ordinary men and women who grew up to lead extraordinary
lives. The Church honors them as Venerable, Blessed, or Saint: each responded to
the Lord’s call to a life of charity and each served him here, in the alleys, streets
and suburbs of New York. I am struck by what a remarkably diverse group they are:
poor and rich, lay men and women - one a wealthy wife and mother - priests and sisters,
immigrants from afar, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior father and Algonquin mother,
another a Haitian slave, and a Cuban intellectual. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint
Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre
Toussaint, and Padre Felix Varela: any one of us could be among them, for there is
no stereotype to this group, no single mold. Yet a closer look reveals that there
are common elements. Inflamed with the love of Jesus, their lives became remarkable
journeys of hope. For some, that meant leaving home and embarking on a pilgrim journey
of thousands of miles. For each there was an act of abandonment to God, in the confidence
that he is the final destination of every pilgrim. And all offered an outstretched
hand of hope to those they encountered along the way, often awakening in them a life
of faith. Through orphanages, schools and hospitals, by befriending the poor, the
sick and the marginalized, and through the compelling witness that comes from walking
humbly in the footsteps of Jesus, these six people laid open the way of faith, hope
and charity to countless individuals, including perhaps your own ancestors. And
what of today? Who bears witness to the Good News of Jesus on the streets of New
York, in the troubled neighborhoods of large cities, in the places where the young
gather, seeking someone in whom they can trust? God is our origin and our destination,
and Jesus the way. The path of that journey twists and turns ─ just as it did for
our saints ─ through the joys and the trials of ordinary, everyday life: within your
families, at school or college, during your recreation activities, and in your parish
communities. All these places are marked by the culture in which you are growing
up. As young Americans you are offered many opportunities for personal development,
and you are brought up with a sense of generosity, service and fairness. Yet you
do not need me to tell you that there are also difficulties: activities and mindsets
which stifle hope, pathways which seem to lead to happiness and fulfillment but in
fact end only in confusion and fear. My own years as a teenager were marred by
a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its influence grew – infiltrating
schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion – before it was fully
recognized for the monster it was. It banished God and thus became impervious to
anything true and good. Many of your grandparents and great-grandparents will have
recounted the horror of the destruction that ensued. Indeed, some of them came to
America precisely to escape such terror. Let us thank God that today many people
of your generation are able to enjoy the liberties which have arisen through the extension
of democracy and respect for human rights. Let us thank God for all those who strive
to ensure that you can grow up in an environment that nurtures what is beautiful,
good, and true: your parents and grandparents, your teachers and priests, those civic
leaders who seek what is right and just. The power to destroy does, however, remain.
To pretend otherwise would be to fool ourselves. Yet, it never triumphs; it is defeated.
This is the essence of the hope that defines us as Christians; and the Church recalls
this most dramatically during the Easter Triduum and celebrates it with great joy
in the season of Easter! The One who shows us the way beyond death is the One who
shows us how to overcome destruction and fear: thus it is Jesus who is the true teacher
of life (cf. Spe Salvi, 6). His death and resurrection mean that we can say
to the Father “you have restored us to life!” (Prayer after Communion, Good
Friday). And so, just a few weeks ago, during the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy,
it was not from despair or fear that we cried out to God for our world, but with hope-filled
confidence: dispel the darkness of our heart! dispel the darkness of our minds! (cf.
Prayer at the Lighting of the Easter Candle). What might that darkness be?
What happens when people, especially the most vulnerable, encounter a clenched fist
of repression or manipulation rather than a hand of hope? A first group of examples
pertains to the heart. Here, the dreams and longings that young people pursue can
so easily be shattered or destroyed. I am thinking of those affected by drug and
substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence, and degradation – especially
of girls and women. While the causes of these problems are complex, all have in common
a poisoned attitude of mind which results in people being treated as mere objects
─ a callousness of heart takes hold which first ignores, then ridicules, the God-given
dignity of every human being. Such tragedies also point to what might have been and
what could be, were there other hands – your hands – reaching out. I encourage you
to invite others, especially the vulnerable and the innocent, to join you along the
way of goodness and hope. The second area of darkness – that which affects the
mind – often goes unnoticed, and for this reason is particularly sinister. The manipulation
of truth distorts our perception of reality, and tarnishes our imagination and aspirations.
I have already mentioned the many liberties which you are fortunate enough to enjoy.
The fundamental importance of freedom must be rigorously safeguarded. It is no surprise
then that numerous individuals and groups vociferously claim their freedom in the
public forum. Yet freedom is a delicate value. It can be misunderstood or misused
so as to lead not to the happiness which we all expect it to yield, but to a dark
arena of manipulation in which our understanding of self and the world becomes confused,
or even distorted by those who have an ulterior agenda. Have you noticed how
often the call for freedom is made without ever referring to the truth of the human
person? Some today argue that respect for freedom of the individual makes it wrong
to seek truth, including the truth about what is good. In some circles to speak of
truth is seen as controversial or divisive, and consequently best kept in the private
sphere. And in truth’s place – or better said its absence – an idea has spread which,
in giving value to everything indiscriminately, claims to assure freedom and to liberate
conscience. This we call relativism. But what purpose has a “freedom” which, in
disregarding truth, pursues what is false or wrong? How many young people have been
offered a hand which in the name of freedom or experience has led them to addiction,
to moral or intellectual confusion, to hurt, to a loss of self-respect, even to despair
and so tragically and sadly to the taking of their own life? Dear friends, truth
is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the
One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come
to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why
authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting
go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very being for others (cf.
Spe Salvi, 28). How then can we as believers help others to walk the path
of freedom which brings fulfillment and lasting happiness? Let us again turn to the
saints. How did their witness truly free others from the darkness of heart and mind?
The answer is found in the kernel of their faith; the kernel of our faith. The Incarnation,
the birth of Jesus, tells us that God does indeed find a place among us. Though the
inn is full, he enters through the stable, and there are people who see his light.
They recognize Herod’s dark closed world for what it is, and instead follow the bright
guiding star of the night sky. And what shines forth? Here you might recall the
prayer uttered on the most holy night of Easter: “Father we share in the light of
your glory through your Son the light of the world … inflame us with your hope!” (Blessing
of the Fire). And so, in solemn procession with our lighted candles we pass the
light of Christ among us. It is “the light which dispels all evil, washes guilt away,
restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace, and
humbles earthly pride” (Exsultet). This is Christ’s light at work. This is
the way of the saints. It is a magnificent vision of hope – Christ’s light beckons
you to be guiding stars for others, walking Christ’s way of forgiveness, reconciliation,
humility, joy and peace. At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves,
to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage!
Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence
prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity. Let your imaginations
soar freely along the limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship.
Sometimes we are looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could
be further from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense
of wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of
his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith. Dear friends, the example
of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure
of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and
vocations. What matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with
God. That relationship is expressed in prayer. God by his very nature speaks, hears,
and replies. Indeed, Saint Paul reminds us: we can and should “pray constantly” (1
Thess 5:17). Far from turning in on ourselves or withdrawing from the ups and
downs of life, by praying we turn towards God and through him to each other, including
the marginalized and those following ways other than God’s path (cf. Spe Salvi,
33). As the saints teach us so vividly, prayer becomes hope in action. Christ was
their constant companion, with whom they conversed at every step of their journey
for others. There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent
contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation
we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf.
1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art
of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness?
Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the
Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness. In the
liturgy we find the whole Church at prayer. The word liturgy means the participation
of God’s people in “the work of Christ the Priest and of His Body which is the Church”
(Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). What is that work? First of all it refers to
Christ’s Passion, his Death and Resurrection, and his Ascension – what we call the
Paschal Mystery. It also refers to the celebration of the liturgy itself. The two
meanings are in fact inseparably linked because this “work of Jesus” is the real content
of the liturgy. Through the liturgy, the “work of Jesus” is continually brought into
contact with history; with our lives in order to shape them. Here we catch another
glimpse of the grandeur of our Christian faith. Whenever you gather for Mass, when
you go to Confession, whenever you celebrate any of the sacraments, Jesus is at work.
Through the Holy Spirit, he draws you to himself, into his sacrificial love of the
Father which becomes love for all. We see then that the Church’s liturgy is a ministry
of hope for humanity. Your faithful participation, is an active hope which helps
to keep the world – saints and sinners alike – open to God; this is the truly human
hope we offer everyone (cf. Spe Salvi, 34). Your personal prayer, your times
of silent contemplation, and your participation in the Church’s liturgy, bring you
closer to God and also prepare you to serve others. The saints accompanying us this
evening show us that the life of faith and hope is also a life of charity. Contemplating
Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We can begin to imagine
the path of love along which we must move (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 12). The
opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ’s eyes,
listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give
all as he did for truth and justice? Many of the examples of the suffering which
our saints responded to with compassion are still found here in this city and beyond.
And new injustices have arisen: some are complex and stem from the exploitation of
the heart and manipulation of the mind; even our common habitat, the earth itself,
groans under the weight of consumerist greed and irresponsible exploitation. We must
listen deeply. We must respond with a renewed social action that stems from the universal
love that knows no bounds. In this way, we ensure that our works of mercy and justice
become hope in action for others. Dear young people, finally I wish to share a
word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and
godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you
for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life.
On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons
and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a
dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the
world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way – socially, materially,
spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life.
Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life. Gathered
here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage
all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing!
The People of God look to you to be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion,
inspiring in others the desire to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers.
I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to
heart with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. Strive
for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation
of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons (cf. Pastores
Dabo Vobis, 33). Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what
counts before the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for
others. Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests contribute greatly to the mission
of the Church. Their prophetic witness is marked by a profound conviction of the
primacy with which the Gospel shapes Christian life and transforms society. Today,
I wish to draw your attention to the positive spiritual renewal which Congregations
are undertaking in relation to their charism. The word charism means a gift freely
and graciously given. Charisms are bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who inspires founders
and foundresses, and shapes Congregations with a subsequent spiritual heritage. The
wondrous array of charisms proper to each Religious Institute is an extraordinary
spiritual treasury. Indeed, the history of the Church is perhaps most beautifully
portrayed through the history of her schools of spirituality, most of which stem from
the saintly lives of founders and foundresses. Through the discovery of charisms,
which yield such a breadth of spiritual wisdom, I am sure that some of you young people
will be drawn to a life of apostolic or contemplative service. Do not be shy to speak
with Religious Brothers, Sisters or Priests about the charism and spirituality of
their Congregation. No perfect community exists, but it is fidelity to a founding
charism, not to particular individuals, that the Lord calls you to discern. Have
courage! You too can make your life a gift of self for the love of the Lord Jesus
and, in him, of every member of the human family (cf. Vita Consecrata, 3). Friends,
again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering
to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the
selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded
within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that
you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished
by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church’s liturgy you will discover
the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You are Christ’s disciples
today. Shine his light upon this great city and beyond. Show the world the reason
for the hope that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you
free. With these sentiments of great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet
again in Sydney this July for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you
and your families, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.