Pray, NOW!
As I write over 150,000 Catholics gather in Sydney, Australia, 95% under the age of 25. World Youth Day 
2008. Over 90 countries of our present world are officially represented, I suspect (and the press as well) there are more. Some would say those gathered are the Church of tomorrow. I prefer and serve the idea that youth are the Church today, but often forgotten or ignored (until the hall needs cleaning or set up!) Over 250,000 will gather on Sunday for Mass. Yes, this is the smallest WYD gathering since the first event in 1984, but organizers knew that would be the probable outcome placing the event in Australia. Most from the northern hemisphere could not afford the trip yet the 9 of the past 11 events have been scheduled in the north; seven in Europe. Its time. Not since 1995 has WYD been so far south. (1995 was in Manila, Phillipines which still holds the record for the greatest participation — over 4 million attended the Mass.) But its not about the numbers or statics. Its about the action of the Catholic Church and the opportunity that those gathered and those watching can be touch by God. So PRAY!
Pray hard. This is a rare moment and a unique opportunity. It is one thing for a young person of growing faith to struggle daily in a secular world. It is wonderful that they can come together with other young people of growing faith in their Churches and community… but to gather with so many, from so many different places and to be surrounded by the formal Church with our Holy Father focusing on them exclusively! Outstanding!!!! Just watching in on EWTN is inspiring but to be in the middle of that. Can you imagine how many vocations to the priesthood, religious life and professional ministry will be inspired in these days? Can you imagine how many young people will not just take a step closer in faith but huge leaps and bounds? How many will begin to understand that their faith is not just a compartment of their lives but who they are and how they live? How wonderfully renewing that will be for our parishes, communities and schools when these youth, now on-fire in a new or renewed way, come back into our embrace! WYD is not just for the Youth it is for the Church universal. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to send forth God’s power and renew the face of the earth. So PRAY!
Pray hard. The theme for this WYD is taken from the Acts of the Apostles 1:8: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses –
Receive The Power
Can you imagine if only 10% of those that gather for the Mass — 25,000 — open their hearts, hands and heads to the Lord and Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit….!!!!! Image 20%….30% or even 50%… why not all gathered? God has the power! And those gathered are youth ripe to listen and receive. As the prayer goes: 
“Come Holy Spirit enkindle in us the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created; And You will renew the face of the Earth.”
Isn’t that what we as Catholic hope for? Wait for? Pray for? ….thy Kingdom come. Remember? The Our Father. We pray that line each week at Mass.
So PRAY! and pray hard. Those gathered for World Youth Day, they are receiving a unique and life changing gift. Pray for them that they will be open to receiving the Holy Spirit. And pray for us that we can be open to receiving them when they return to bring the gift of God back to us. i remain, your servant in Christ,
Theresa
Tags: faith, Power of Holy Spirit, prayer, Renewal, World Youth Day, WYD 2008, Youth in the Church
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