Apr 19, 2008 / 16:33 pm
The Pope’s speech to the thousands of youth gathered in Yonkers, NY today featured a call to the youth to strive for holiness by using the “four essential aspects” of the faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, active charity, and vocations.
“Let your imaginations soar freely along the limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship,” he said. “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.”
The Pope listed what he called the “four essential aspects” of the treasure of faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, active charity, and vocations.
Pope Benedict urged youth to develop their personal relationship with God, a relationship expressed in prayer. “Pray constantly,” the Pope said, quoting St. Paul. “As the saints teach us so vividly,” he continued,” prayer becomes hope in action.” He also encouraged silent contemplation, saying, “Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? …don’t be afraid of silence or stillness.”