CARD FROM THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE YOUTH ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE PREPARATORY DOCUMENT
OF THE XV ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BISHOPS
Dear young people:
I am pleased to announce that in October 2018, the Synod of Bishops will be held on the theme “Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment.” I want you to be at the center of attention because I carry you in my heart. Today, the Preparatory Document is presented, which I offer to you as a “guide” for this journey.
The words that God addressed to Abraham come to my mind: “Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Gen 12:1). These words are also addressed to you today: they are the words of a Father who invites you to “go out” to launch yourselves toward an unknown but promising future of secure realizations, which He Himself accompanies you to meet. I invite you to listen to the voice of God echoing in each of your hearts through the vital breath of the Holy Spirit.
When God tells Abraham “Go,” what did He mean? Certainly, He was not asking him to flee from his own or from the world. His invitation was a strong provocation to leave everything behind and head toward a new land. That land, isn’t it, for you, that more just and fraternal society that you deeply desire and want to build even into the peripheries of the world?
However, today, the expression “Go” takes on a different meaning: that of prevarication, injustice, and war. Many young people among you are subjected to the blackmail of violence and are forced to flee their homeland. Their cry rises to God, like that of Israel enslaved by Pharaoh’s oppression (cf. Ex 2:23).
I also wish to remind you of the words Jesus said one day to the disciples who asked Him: “Rabbi […] where do you live?” He replied: “Come and see” (Jn 1:38). Jesus also directs His gaze to you and invites you to go to Him. Have you found this gaze, dear young people? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this impulse to set out? I am sure that, even though noise and confusion seem to reign in the world, this call continues to resonate in each one’s heart to open it to full joy. This will be possible to the extent that, through the accompaniment of expert guides, you will undertake a discernment journey to discover God’s plan in your own life. Even when the path is marked by precariousness and falls, God, rich in mercy, will extend His hand to lift you up.
In Krakow, during the opening of the last World Youth Day, I asked you several times: “Can things be changed?” And you all shouted loudly “Yes.” This is a response born from a young heart that cannot bear injustice and cannot bend to the culture of discard, nor give in to globalization of indifference. Listen to that cry coming from the innermost part! Also, when you notice, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you to save you” (Jer 1:8).
A better world is also built thanks to you, who always wish to change and be generous. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who suggests bold options, do not waste time when conscience asks you to take risks to follow the Master. The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivity, your faith; as well as your doubts and criticisms. Make everyone hear your cry, let it resonate in communities, and bring it to the pastors. Saint Benedict recommended that abbots also consult young people before every important decision because “many times the Lord reveals to the younger what is best” (Rule of Saint Benedict III, 3).
Thus, also through the path of this Synod, my brothers bishops and I want to contribute more and more to your joy (cf. 2 Cor 1:24). May Mary of Nazareth, a young woman like you whom God has looked upon with love, take you by the hand and guide you to the joy of a full and generous “Here I am!” (Lk 1:38).
With paternal affection,
FRANCIS
Vatican, January 13, 2017
