Pope John Paul II

"Let no one reproach you on account of your youth. Be a model to the believers in the way you speak and act, in your love, your faith and purity of life." - 1st Timothy 4:11-12

Today is the 3rd anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, for many of us, the only pope we've ever known except for Pope Benedict XVI. When he was dying, I was so upset. I stayed tuned to all the news channels hoping he wouldn't die, hoping he would get better. And as he was dying in his room, floods of people held candles outside of his room in the Vatican… most of those people were young adults, like you and me. Through out his life, John Paul worked hard to awaken the passion of Christ in the hearts of young people, (even putting out a music album!) and they responded by being there for him while near death. He heard they were outside praying for him, and one of the last words of John Paul, directed at these young adults outside his room, I have had saved on a memo in my blackberry since I heard he said them, "I looked for you and now you come to me. And I thank you."

As pope, John Paul understood how much we need God in our lives, especially when we're young and trying to build our lives. It doesn't matter how young you are, God is always calling you to grow closer to Him. The things of this world don't matter and don't ever last… what matters is the love of God and showing this love through the way we live our lives. Pick up the work of Pope John Paul II and don't ever let how young you are hold you back, but move forward with God until the very end.

Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You worked tirelessly through Your servant Pope John Paul II to bring Your love to the youth. Now, after his death, please keep Your work alive and help bring all the young people to Your sacred heart. In Your Name we pray, amen.