Tea-Time with Francis, Beaching in Brazil, Living in Love: Echoes of World Youth Day 2013

 
 (Picture: “Whispers in the Loggia,” Sunday, July 28, 2013)

By  Fr. Jim Berning, SDB, Director of Vocation Ministry

Tea Time with Francis:  A large cup of tea was offered to Pope Francis as he pilgrimaged with crowds through the streets of Rio.  The cultural image of tea-time envisages the signature of Christian hospitality, the crowds wanting to -get to-know Francis, and Francis returning the gesture, wanting to get-to-know them.  As the Fiat transported Francis to WYD events, there were always unexpected halts in the motorcade, but even Francis’ body guards could be seen grinning as they witnessed “Popacabana’s infectious charm that titillated hearts present at Rio and throughout the world. 

v  How can I/we engage the world with the “infectious compassion” of Jesus?

Beaching in Brazil:  The “Eucharistic beach- fest” engaged 3 million pilgrims as the Body of Christ to renew their baptismal call, to “go” and be disciples on their home turf!  John’s gospel embarks on a call narrative (1: 35-39) that happened along a Galilean beach, two disciples met Jesus, they stayed with him, they abided with him, and they in turn evangelized with him.  For sure, the youth enjoyed hanging out with Francis and each other at the beach, and, in Francis’ words, they enjoyed hanging out with Jesus and each other.  Hanging with Jesus bears imitation, he surrendered himself totally in love to save us, he reached out to those living on the edges, and he found the goodness within each person he encountered. 

v  How can we throw our total selves into the mission of Jesus, reaching out to those in loneliness, building up the good in others?

Living in Love:  The journal coverage of “Whispers in the Loggia” featured the closing liturgy with a magnificent stature of Jesus, centering the 3 million pilgrims to their heart’s desire, life in Jesus Christ.  The foot washing in John’s gospel (see 15: 12-15), captures Jesus’ Way, he formed them as disciples, he shared with them all he knew about the Father, he spoke to them as friends in community, and he invited them to love each other as he has loved them, so that the world would be oriented to love. 

v  As I have come to experience Jesus’ love, in what concrete ways can I personally witness “living in love” to others?