Go Against the Current!
Living Words from Pope John Paul II
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Sykhiv Square, Lviv, Ukraine – June 26, 2001 | Young Ukrainians, Christ calls you to go against the current! “Love your neighbor,” he urges. Be defenders of his law and demonstrate it through daily actions. This timeless law is perfectly embodied in the Gospel. Love fuels our lives, and true, free, and deep love encourages faithful adherence to the Ten Commandments. With this divine law firmly in your hearts, do not fear: you will find fulfillment and help create a world of greater solidarity and justice.
Dear young people, your country is transitioning from a long oppressive regime to a free, democratic society. Freedom requires responsible, mature consciences. Liberty is demanding and, in some respects, more costly than slavery!
I warmly welcome the young people from Russia. Thank you for being here! When you return home, pass my greetings to family and friends, and share the joy of meeting with your faith in Christ. Bring my blessings to all.
I urge you to choose the narrow path guided by the Lord’s commandments. The seemingly easy, wide road can be deceptive and wrong.
Without God’s guidance, achieving anything is hard. With His support, you’ll be ready for today’s challenges.
You will succeed in making tough, value-driven decisions, like choosing to stay in your country rather than chasing an easy life abroad.
Young people, your presence is needed to improve your country’s social, cultural, economic, and political landscape.
The talents you possess are essential for the future of your land, which boasts a glorious history.
Ukraine’s future depends on your actions and responsibility. Serving family and society, prioritizing the common good over personal gains, will be blessed by God. Ukraine needs men and women committed to serving humanity and protecting the vulnerable. This reflects Gospel principles and strengthens civil society. True civilization goes beyond economic progress; it involves moral, human, and spiritual growth.
“You shall love the Lord your God.” We are called to prioritize God in our lives, loving Him with all our hearts, souls, and strength (Deuteronomy 6: 5). As the one true God, He cannot be replaced by false idols. He also declares to you, young people, “I am the Lord your God.”
Excerpted from the writings of Pope John Paul II
Meeting with Young People
Address of the Holy Father
Lviv (Sykhiv Square), Ukraine — Tuesday, 26 June 2001