Cultural transformation is taking place, folks. It is undeniable. And
it has a very youthful face. The fact that the roving mobs in thousands
who took over the streets of Washington singing, praying and chanting
last week were mostly young people encouraged me and reminded me of the
transformation.
Inundating the Metro system and stopping traffic, thousands swarmed the streets
holding signs and banners welcoming the pope, and it was simply exhilarating
to see it.
The streets in the District where the popemobile would pass by were a frenzy — an
organized frenzy guarded with police and Secret Service — but joy-filled
and alive. People in love with their faith and on fire for the Holy Spirit came
out from various places around the country to announce it at the top of their
lungs.
It is not just about seeing the pope. Rather it is about the knowledge that the
Holy Father loves us and wants us to continue to follow Christ with our whole
heart. Pope Benedict came to encourage us to strive in our efforts for holiness.
As we bade farewell to the Holy Father this weekend, we must remember that it
isn’t over, it’s just getting started.
It’s why Pope Benedict XVI came. He came to light the fire. “I have
come to confirm you,” he said during his homily at Nationals Park in Washington
last Thursday. He came to “confirm us.” Encourage and gently challenge
us. He did. And he did it with humility and love.
The Catholic Woodstock-like atmosphere of last week reminded me of the World
Youth Days of Pope John Paul II and in Cologne with Pope Benedict, only months
after he was named pope.
This was a shot in the arm to go against secularism and materialism that is so
pervasive in our culture.
Young religious communities came in droves bearing that witness. People hung
out of their windows from tall buildings just to catch a glimpse of the Holy
Father. I met several in the streets who came out of their office buildings just
to see why people were so excited to see the leader of the Catholic Church. “I’m
not Catholic, but I can definitely feel the energy,” a passerby said.
Whether one is Catholic or not, it is undeniable that something huge just occurred
and will continue to occur with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
While the Holy Father’s voice is gentle and soft, a sense of urgency could
be detected throughout his messages to America.
In the course of his message to the seminarians and young people in New York,
he said, “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.”
He warned against the manipulation of truth, “dictatorship of relativism,” and
speaking about freedom without regard to truth.
A profound harmony exists between faith and reason and they are inseparable,
he reminded his flock.
“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,” Pope
Benedict said.
He asked young people to give of ourselves generously and joyfully in imitation
of Christ. The Holy Father said, “Show the world the reason for the hope
that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free.” The
message, however, is not just for the young people, but for all.
Let us implore a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as our Holy Father beckoned
for us to do and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and draw us ever closer
to Him. A “new Pentecost” is near. A revolution.
Thank you, Papa B, for re-charging and revitalizing us to live out the Gospel
with great fervor and courage. Praised be Jesus. Viva il papa!
Henrietta Gomes is a staff writer for the Catholic Herald. She
can be reached at hgomes@catholicherald.com.
