JP II: Truth, Happy Picture, Gift of Gold

"To all of you, dear young people, who hunger and thirst for truth, the Church offers herself as a traveling companion. She offers the eternal Gospel message and entrusts you with an exalting apostolic task: to be the protagonists of the new evangelization."
                  John Paul II - Message for World Youth Day, Vatican City, 1993.

I was an unhappy young adult back in 1993, so he was speaking to me. I was dipping my toe into young adult activities at church and not sure of anything. I'm glad I am further along in my journey now.

Leila at http://littlecatholicbubble.blogspot.com/ speaks of the truth. So does Gerard M. Nadal, Ph.D. at http://gerardnadal.com/.

Here's another happy picture. Look at this LUCKY and blessed baby being baptized by Pope John Paul II. He (or she) is Catholic forever! The caption of this picture (from the book John Paul II An Invitation to Joy) says "Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. 1997" So today this baby is a teen-ager. I wonder how he or she is doing. 

Maurizio Brambatti/Reuters/Piekna/MaxPPP

Are you baptized? I am. I was baptized into the Catholic Church as an infant. My parents gave me this great gift. If you were baptized as a child, thank your parents. If you are not baptized, you can be! You too can avail yourself of this gift by hopping down to your local church and going through faith formation classes. The Church is for everyone who wants it. If you are open to receiving the gifts, yes gifts, of the church, you may have the gift.

It's not always an easy gift to open, but it's a wonderful gift full of brightness and light. It's gold, but better and more precious. Unlike gold, there's an infinite amount.

Hey, note to those of us who go to church. Whoever approaches us, whoever crosses our path, whoever sits near us may be searching. Let us be friendly, welcoming, and helpful.