“Then a cloud appeared and covered them with its shadow, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my own dear Son—listen to him!”
(Mark 9: 7 Good News Translation GNT)
Humankind needs prayer as much as breath. Humbly seeking God’s will can inspire us to build a more just, united world. God’s ways transcend our incomplete actions and imperfect intentions. God is never a means to our ends, but above all.
God invites us to hear his voice and freely embrace his will, consenting with mind and heart.²
In a world yearning for unity and peace amid conflict, shouldn’t believers foster friendship among all peoples? They share one origin and destiny: God, their creator, who awaits and will gather them.²
This vital witness to faith cannot tolerate infidelity to God or indifference to truth, yet respects other religious traditions. Everyone hopes others will respect who they are and what they conscientiously believe.²
We desire that all attain divine truth through free conscience, protected from coercion that violates human dignity and reason. Religious liberty honors God and humanity: God awaits the sincere worship of those who worship in spirit and truth.2
We cannot sincerely pray to God, the Father of all, while treating anyone as less than a brother or sister. Since God created everyone in his image, we must respect, love, and help all people. We achieve fulfillment by knowing God, accepting him wholeheartedly, and obeying him as we pursue perfection.²
Respect and dialogue must be reciprocal, especially when fundamental freedoms are at stake. Religious freedom fosters peace and understanding and helps address today’s challenges, particularly for young people.2
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This evening, the Lord Jesus challenges you: lend him your hands and feet, your hearts and minds, so that—through you!—he may set the downtrodden free (Luke 4: 18).
With Christ, replace selfishness with solidarity: reject escapism, laziness, and loving only those who love you (Matthew 5: 46)! 1
Solidarity means working with and for others, without exception.1
Christ knows and loves you. His loving gaze has enlightened each of you (John 1:9).
I thank Uganda’s young people for being children of light and day (1 Thessalonians 5:5). I see Christ’s light in you—share it with your brothers and sisters!
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To him, then, be our love and adoration! We thank him for his blessing and mercy at all times and in all places.2
Excerpted from the words of His Holiness, Saint Pope John Paul II
1. Pastoral Journey to Benin, Uganda, and Khartoum.
Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala (Uganda) — 6 February 1993
Read the Vatican text
2. Apostolic Journey to Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Kenya, and Morocco
Morocco — 19 August 1985
Read the Vatican text
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