Posted on 05/29/2006 6:42:35 AM PDT by NYer
Benedict XVI Addresses Huge Gathering in Krakow
KRAKOW, Poland, MAY 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI exhorted close to 1 million young people not to be afraid "to lean on Christ," as he is the rock on which they can fulfill their dreams.
The meeting took place Saturday at Blonie Park where Pope John Paul II drew massive crowds of Poles when he returned as Pope to the city where he had been archbishop.
"The fear of failure can at times frustrate even the most beautiful dreams," Benedict XVI said. "It can paralyze the will, making one incapable of believing that it is really possible to build a house on the rock.
"[D]o not be afraid to lean on Christ! Long for Christ as the foundation of your life! Enkindle within you the desire to build your life on him and for him! Because no one who depends on the crucified love of the Incarnate Word can ever lose."
Difficulties will not be lacking, added the Pope.
"Often, Jesus is ignored, he is mocked and he is declared a king of the past who is not for today and certainly not for tomorrow," the Holy Father said. "He is relegated to a storeroom of questions and persons one dare not mention publicly in a loud voice.
"If in the process of building the house of your life you encounter those who scorn the foundation on which you are building, do not be discouraged! A strong faith must endure tests. A living faith must always grow. Our faith in Jesus Christ, to be such, must frequently face others' lack of faith."
The rock
In particular, the Pontiff exhorted young people not to be "fooled by those who want to play Christ against the Church."
He recalled that Christ called Peter "the rock" on which he would build his Church.
"Young people, you know well the Rock of our times," Benedict XVI said. "Accordingly, do not forget: Neither that Peter who is watching our gathering from the window of God the Father's house, nor this Peter who is now standing in front of you, nor any successive Peter will ever be opposed to you or the building of a lasting house on the rock."
"Indeed, he will offer his heart and his hands to help you construct a life on Christ and with Christ," he said at the end, prompting applause from his listeners.
After the meeting, Benedict XVI returned to the archbishop's residence in Krakow. Taking up John Paul II's tradition, on Saturday night, as he did on Friday, he appeared on the balcony to greet young people, gathered around what for years was the home of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla.
Polish piligrims greet Pope Benedict XVI during his meeting with young people at Krakow's Blonia Park. The Pope told more than 600,000 Roman Catholic youths at a rally not to be afraid to stand up for their beliefs in an increasingly secular world which rejects Christ as "a king of the past."(AFP/Dimitar Dilkoff)
The more I hear the more I like this Pope.
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