Weekly Meditation
Here's a short excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's message to us in anticipation of his visit to our country this week.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the United States of America,
Together with your bishops, I have chosen as the theme of my journey three simple but essential words: "Christ our hope". Following in the footsteps of my venerable predecessors, Paul VI and John Paul II, I shall come to the United States of America as Pope for the first time, to proclaim this great truth: Jesus Christ is hope for men and women of every language, race, culture and social condition. Yes, Christ is the face of God present among us. Through him, our lives reach fullness, and together, both as individuals and peoples, we can become a family united by fraternal love, according to the eternal plan of God the Father.
I know how deeply rooted this Gospel message is in your country. I am coming to share it with you in a series of celebrations and gatherings. I shall also bring the message of Christian hope to the great Assembly of the United Nations, to the representatives of all the peoples of the world.
We ask God's blessings for Pope Benedict XVI and his ministry in our country. May we all listen as he challenges us to live our faith, grow in it joyfully and share it gratefully. Here are a few words from two of his Angelus talks.
Faith cannot be reduced to a private sentiment or indeed, be hidden when it is inconvenient; it also implies consistency and a witness even in the public arena for the sake of human beings, justice and truth. (Angelus, Oct. 9, 2005)
Sometimes, people think that holiness is a privileged condition reserved for a few elect. Actually, becoming holy is every Christian's task, indeed, we could say, every person's! (Angelus, Oct.14, 2005)
Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension